Russian spy balloon spotted over southern Estonia near Põlvamaa

A local resident photographed what appears to be a Russian reconnaissance balloon over Mehikoorma harbour in Põlvamaa county on Saturday evening. The sighting raises fresh concerns about Russian surveillance activities near Estonia's eastern border.

A Russian surveillance balloon was photographed flying over southern Estonia on Saturday, 24 May, at 8:04 PM local time. The sighting occurred near Mehikoorma harbour in Põlvamaa county, close to Estonia's eastern border with Russia.

Local resident Jevgeni captured the object on camera and initially described it as a "UFO" in his comments accompanying the photos. The balloon's flight path and characteristics have since led observers to identify it as a Russian reconnaissance balloon.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions along Estonia's eastern border and growing concerns about Russian intelligence-gathering activities in the Baltic region. Surveillance balloons have become an increasingly discussed topic in international security circles following several high-profile incidents in recent years.

Estonian authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the balloon sighting. Estonia shares a border with Russia along the Narva River and Lake Peipus, making the Põlvamaa region particularly sensitive from a security standpoint.