Safety Zone Violation
Poland has accused Russian military aircraft of entering the safety zone of an oil platform in the Baltic Sea. According to the Polish Ministry of Defence, the jets conducted maneuvers without prior notification, creating potential risks to platform operations. This follows a pattern of airspace incursions in the region that have heightened tensions between Moscow and NATO members.
NATO Intercepts MiG-31s Over Estonia
In a related development, NATO confirmed that Italian F-35 jets intercepted Russian MiG-31 aircraft over Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island. The Russian planes reportedly had no flight plans, turned off their transponders, and failed to communicate with local air traffic control. Estonian authorities called the incursion “unprecedentedly brazen” and lodged a formal diplomatic protest.
European Response and Sanctions
European Union officials condemned the violations as dangerous provocations. EU foreign policy leaders stressed the need for increased political and economic pressure on Russia. In coordination with these concerns, the EU announced its 19th sanctions package, targeting Russian banks, LNG exports, crypto platforms, and military-linked companies, with a full ban on Russian LNG imports planned by January 2027. These measures underscore the growing alarm over Russian military activity in the Baltic region.
