Estonia demand answers from Russia over Mi-8 helicopter airspace violations

Estonia demand answers from Russia's ambassador over Mi-8 helicopter airspace violations

Estonia demand answers from Russia's ambassador over Mi-8 helicopter airspace violations. Image: Yura Taratunin/Shutterstock.com

THE Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday, August 10, that it had summoned Russia’s Ambassador to Estonia Vladimir Lipaev to explain the violation of the Estonian airspace border by a Russian Mi-8 helicopter.

According to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the airspace violation took place in south-eastern Estonia near the Koidula checkpoint where a Mi-8 helicopter from Russia entered Estonian airspace without permission.

“Estonia considers this an extremely serious and regrettable incident that is completely unacceptable,” the ministry said.

“At the meeting, the Foreign Ministry once again strongly condemned Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. We also emphasised that Russia must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and international law.”

According to the main headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces, “a Mi-8 helicopter of the Russian Federation crossed the border without permission, which stayed in Estonian airspace for about one minute.”

However, this trend is not new though, as Russia violated Estonia’s airspace 5 times last year as well.

Prior to this, the Prime Minister of Estonia demanded that the EU stop issuing tourist visas for Russians.

Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday, August 9: “Stop issuing tourist visas to Russians. Visiting #Europe is a privilege, not a human right. Air travel from RU is shut down. It means while Schengen countries issue visas, neighbours to Russia carry the burden (FI, EE, LV – sole access points). Time to end tourism from Russia now.”

The news of Estonia’s demands following the announcement that Estonia is set to remove a WWII Soviet T-34 tank statue in Narva, a move that has reportedly enraged Russia.

On Thursday, August 4, Estonia’s Foreign Minister spoke on the decision to remove the WWII Soviet T-34 tank on Russia’s border in the city of Narva.

“It is realistic to solve the issue within this month,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu on the intention to demolish the monument to the Soviet fighters against ‘Nazi invaders’.


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Written by

Matthew Roscoe

Originally from the UK, Matthew is based on the Costa Blanca and is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.

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