The Kremlin has voiced strong concern over Estonia’s readiness to host NATO’s nuclear-capable F-35A jets, calling the move an immediate danger to Russia.
Russia has expressed alarm at Estonia’s announcement that it is prepared to host U.S.-made F-35A stealth jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons under NATO’s defence framework.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur told the Postimees news outlet on Thursday that Estonia was ready to accommodate such jets if necessary, reaffirming the country’s commitment to NATO.
"If some of them, regardless of their country of origin, have a dual-use capability to carry nuclear weapons it doesn't affect our position on hosting F-35s in any way," Pevkur said. "Of course we are ready to host our allies."
Estonia, which borders Russia, regularly hosts NATO aircraft tasked with protecting Baltic airspace. Pevkur’s statement followed Britain’s announcement that it would purchase at least 12 F-35A jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads to join NATO’s airborne nuclear mission.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the potential deployment as a direct threat to Russia.
"Of course it would be an immediate danger," Peskov told Russia’s Life news outlet on Friday. He said such statements from Baltic politicians reflected “absurd thoughts” and highlighted the difficult relations between Moscow and the Baltic states.
"We have practically no relations with the Baltic republics because it is very difficult to make them worse," Peskov said, underlining Moscow’s deepening concerns.
For Russia, the deployment of nuclear-capable jets in the Baltic region would mark a serious escalation of NATO’s military presence near its borders. Moscow views any move to place nuclear-capable assets close to Russian territory as destabilising and a direct threat to its national security.
Earlier this month, Russian officials warned that the inclusion of Finland and Sweden in NATO had already shifted the regional balance, prompting adjustments in Russian defence planning.
The latest comments from the Kremlin reflect broader Russian concerns over NATO’s activities in Eastern Europe, with Moscow repeatedly criticising what it sees as provocative steps by the alliance. Russian officials argue that such deployments increase tensions and risk undermining stability in the region.
There has been no immediate reaction from other NATO members to Estonia’s statement, but the alliance has previously maintained that its nuclear posture remains defensive, aimed at ensuring deterrence and security for its members.
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The Kremlin has voiced strong concern over Estonia’s readiness to host NATO’s nuclear-capable F-35A jets, calling the move an immediate danger to Russia.
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The United States and China have resolved disputes over rare earth mineral and magnet shipments, overcoming a key hurdle that had delayed a trade agreement reached in May.
The European Union plans closer cooperation with Pacific Rim nations under the CPTPP to advance global trade rules, but insists it is not seeking to replace the World Trade Organization.
At least nine people, including children and their rescuers, died after sudden floodwaters swept through a river in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, turning a family picnic into tragedy.
North Korea plans to attract Russian tourists after opening its long-delayed Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort to domestic travellers in July, amid deepening ties with Moscow.
Denmark’s Arctic chief has dismissed concerns over a U.S. takeover of Greenland but says more must be done to deter any Russian attack on the strategically vital Arctic island.
The United States and China have resolved disputes over rare earth mineral and magnet shipments, overcoming a key hurdle that had delayed a trade agreement reached in May.
The European Union plans closer cooperation with Pacific Rim nations under the CPTPP to advance global trade rules, but insists it is not seeking to replace the World Trade Organization.
The Kremlin has voiced strong concern over Estonia’s readiness to host NATO’s nuclear-capable F-35A jets, calling the move an immediate danger to Russia.
Chile's Vera C. Rubin Observatory has unveiled its first cosmic images, captured using the world's largest digital camera, paving the way for breakthroughs in understanding the solar system and monitoring asteroid threats to Earth.
At least nine people, including children and their rescuers, died after sudden floodwaters swept through a river in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, turning a family picnic into tragedy.
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