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.
On 1 July, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Azerbaijan on a working visit....
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway this week in a landmark tour of the Nordic region that reflects Beiji...
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran mediated by Qatar in Doha have concluded, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi has said. ...
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both...
German prosecutors have arrested a German-Rwandan national on suspicion of aiding genocide and 25 counts of murder during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, a...
Russia and Ukraine have reported fresh military successes as both sides intensify efforts to weaken each other's logistics, energy infrastructure and supply networks, extending the conflict far beyond the front line.
The Kyrgyz government has tightened oversight of the country's fuel market, introducing stricter monitoring measures to prevent petroleum shortages and ensure stable supplies amid continuing geopolitical uncertainty.
Russia and NATO appear to be entering a new phase of strategic rivalry as hopes of renewed diplomacy fade and both sides prepare for a prolonged period of confrontation.
A bird’s nest woven from dry grass and fibre-optic cable near Ukraine’s front line is offering researchers an unusual glimpse into how more than four years of war are reshaping the natural environment.
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both sides tested the interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran mediated by Qatar in Doha have concluded, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi has said.
The U.S. and Iran have agreed to 'stand down' and resume technical talks, allowing vessels allowed to move freely under the interim peace deal, a U.S. official said.
Mexico ended their 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, while Erling Haaland sent Norway through and Kylian Mbappé fired France into the last 16.
The wife and children of Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo were among around 1,700 people who died when two earthquakes struck northern Venezuela last week.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway this week in a landmark tour of the Nordic region that reflects Beijing's efforts to strengthen ties with Europe at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty.
South African police arrested more than 900 people during nationwide anti-migrant protests on Tuesday (30 June), as demonstrations across the country turned violent in some areas, although most remained peaceful.
German prosecutors have arrested a German-Rwandan national on suspicion of aiding genocide and 25 counts of murder during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, authorities said on Wednesday (1 July).
At least five people have died after a fire swept through a 10-storey apartment building in the Belgian city of Antwerp, authorities said on Wednesday.
Eight Kenyan schoolgirls have pleaded not guilty to murder charges over a dormitory fire that killed 16 fellow students and injured dozens more at a boarding school in the country's Rift Valley region.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment