NATO Jet Shoots Down Ukrainian Drone Over Estonia

A Romanian F-16 fighter jet, part of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission, shot down a suspected Ukrainian drone over southern Estonia on Tuesday. The drone entered Estonian airspace from Russia near Võrtsjärv Lake and the town of Põltsamaa in central Estonia, likely due to Russian electronic jamming.

The Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that early information indicated the drone had strayed off course before entering Estonia. The drone debris fell in a marshy area about 30 meters from the nearest residential building. A resident reported seeing two fighter jets before hearing a loud bang and witnessing the drone fall.

Ukraine apologized for the incident, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi stating that Russia continues to redirect Ukrainian drones into the Baltics on purpose. Both Estonia and Latvia have denied allowing Ukraine to use their airspace for attacks against Russia.

The Estonian military noted that the incident occurred under conditions of heavy electronic warfare, including GPS spoofing and jamming by Russia. Nearby Latvia also issued an air threat alert after a drone entered Latvian airspace on Tuesday.

Latvia's armed forces confirmed at least one unmanned aircraft in its airspace, prompting NATO fighter jets to be activated. Residents in eastern Latvia were advised to seek shelter indoors until further notice. The Latvian government recently resigned over its handling of similar incursions, and talks are ongoing on appointing a new cabinet.

The Baltic states have blamed the incidents on Moscow, asserting that Russia redirects Ukrainian drones from their intended targets in Russia. However, they have not provided evidence for these claims. The Kremlin has accused the Baltic states of allowing Ukraine to launch drones from their territory, which both the states and NATO strongly deny.