Breach Heightens Security Concerns
Polish officials have reported that Russian military aircraft entered a restricted safety area around an oil platform in the Baltic Sea. The Ministry of Defence described the maneuver as hazardous and carried out without prior clearance, contributing to rising tensions in the region amid repeated airspace violations by Russian forces.
Estonia Incident Prompts NATO Action
In a related episode, NATO confirmed that Italian F-35 fighter jets intercepted Russian MiG-31 aircraft over Estonia near Vaindloo Island. The planes reportedly flew without filed flight plans, had transponders switched off, and did not communicate with local air traffic control. Estonian authorities condemned the incursion as an aggressive act and filed a formal diplomatic protest with Moscow.
EU Issues Sanctions in Response
The European Union criticized the airspace breaches, calling them dangerous provocations. In tandem, the EU rolled out its 19th sanctions package against Russia, targeting financial institutions, military-linked firms, LNG exports, and crypto platforms, with a complete ban on Russian LNG imports set for January 2027. The measures reflect growing concern over Russia’s military activity in the Baltic and the broader implications for regional security.
