Repeated drone incidents in the airspace of NATO countries in Eastern Europe have increased tensions between the EU and Russia following new warnings from European leaders.
In Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, alarm and panic erupted after a possible drone intrusion was reported.
As a result, the airport was temporarily closed and state leaders, including President Gitanas Nausėda and Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, were evacuated. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen reacted by saying that such threats are unacceptable and declared that “Europe will respond,” blaming Russia and Belarus for endangering security along the EU’s eastern borders.
According to the report, around six suspected drone incidents have been recorded this month alone in the airspace of the Baltic states and Finland, increasing concerns about regional security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incidents as a “coordinated provocation,” stressing that the situation cannot be ignored, especially after previous cases in which drones entered Polish airspace.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said these events are a consequence of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and that the alliance is responding quickly and according to its defense plans.
European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius said on Tuesday, following a drone incident in Latvia, that Russia is testing “new forms” of pressure against Eastern Flank countries with the aim of “intimidating people in the region.”
He proposed increased defense spending and stronger support for Ukraine.
