Rising tensions in the Baltic as Estonia confronts Russia

• A Russian fighter jet violated Estonian airspace.
• The tanker "Green Admire" disappeared from radar and reappeared off the coast of Russia.
• Estonia is introducing new navigation rules to prevent provocations.

A series of incidents in the Baltic Sea have alarmed the countries in the region. The Greek tanker "Green Admire," sailing under the Liberian flag, vanished from radar after leaving Estonian waters and reappeared off the Russian coast. Estonia suspects this is not a coincidence.

Just days before the "Green Admire" incident, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet infringed on Estonian airspace. Estonian authorities attempted to intercept the tanker "Jaguar," which was sailing without displaying a flag, an illegal act. However, the Russian fighter forced them to retreat.

Moreover, there was a recent theft of a buoy located 50 kilometres west of Hiiumaa, the second-largest island in Estonia in the Baltic Sea. The parties responsible were Russian Buyan-class missile corvettes.

The Estonian government is responding to these events by implementing new navigation rules. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stressed that Russia acts unpredictably, and Estonia must be ready for various scenarios. "In the future, ships will be directed to an alternative route," stated the department head.

These incidents are part of a larger phenomenon known as the "shadow fleet." Russia deploys ships to circumvent international sanctions, often sailing without active identification systems. Estonia and other nations in the region are increasing pressure on this fleet.

The Baltic Sea, once stable, is becoming a zone of tension. As a NATO member, Estonia plays a crucial role in monitoring the situation. Baltic and Nordic countries are intensifying their information exchange, and the European Union is broadening its sanctions list.