Von Der Leyen declares support for Estonia and promises firm response to Russia's airspace violation, investing in strengthening eastern defenses

Von Der Leyen declares support for Estonia and promises firm response to Russia's airspace violation, investing in strengthening eastern defenses

In a significant diplomatic move, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged firm support for Estonia and announced plans to bolster eastern defenses in response to Russia's recent airspace violation. The incident, which involved Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entering Estonian airspace without permission, has been condemned as "brazen" by the Estonian foreign ministry . The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, described the incursion as "an extremely dangerous provocation."

Von der Leyen's declaration comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and a series of new sanctions proposed by the European Commission against Russia. The latest package of sanctions, the 19th in total, aims to cut off Russia's access to key technologies and resources, including liquified natural gas (LNG) imports . The Commission has announced plans to completely ban Russian LNG imports by January 2027, a move that underscores the EU's determination to deprive Russia of critical revenue sources.

The new sanctions are part of a broader strategy to pressure Russia into negotiating a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. The Commission's actions follow a series of drone incursions into EU airspace, which von der Leyen has described as "threats to our Union" . The sanctions also target Russia's shadow fleet, refineries, oil traders, and petrochemical companies in third countries, as well as financial loopholes that Russia has used to evade existing sanctions.

Von der Leyen's support for Estonia and the proposed sanctions reflect the EU's commitment to strengthening its eastern defenses and maintaining peace and stability in the region. The EU's response to Russia's airspace violation is a clear indication that the bloc is prepared to take decisive action to protect its member states and uphold international law.