Baltic Sea Standoff: Estonian Navy, NATO Aircraft, and Russian Fighter Jet in Tense Encounter

On May 15th, 2025, an incident unfolded in the Baltic Sea that has raised concerns about escalating tensions in the region. An oil tanker, registered in Gabon and heading towards a Russian port, was approached by Estonian naval vessels and NATO aircraft. The Estonian forces attempted to board the tanker, but the crew refused their demands. A Russian Su-35 fighter jet then intervened, causing the Estonian forces to withdraw. The video footage, apparently recorded by the tanker's crew, shows the Estonian vessels and aircraft approaching and the subsequent response of the Russian fighter. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, the incident highlights the sensitive geopolitical situation in the Baltic Sea and the potential for miscalculation to lead to further conflict. "We were ordered to stop, but we refused to allow them on board," a source close to the tanker's crew stated. This incident underscores the need for clear communication and de-escalation strategies to prevent future confrontations.