Moscow: The Russian Defense Ministry has firmly denied allegations that three of its MiG-31 fighter jets breached Estonian airspace. The ministry clarified that the aircraft were on a scheduled flight from the Karelia region to a military base in the Kaliningrad region and maintained adherence to international airspace regulations.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Russian Defense Ministry emphasized that the flight was conducted without deviation from its designated path, which was more than three kilometers away from Vaindloo Island. The ministry assured that the aircraft remained over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea throughout the journey. The statement underscored that the jets did not cross into the territory of any state, a fact purportedly verified by objective observations.

The Estonian authorities had earlier reported that the Russian jets had violated their airspace near Vaindloo Island. In response, NATO claimed that the Russian aircraft had indeed entered Estonian airspace, prompting an immediate response from the alliance to intercept and halt the jets.