Tallinn says the downed drones signal collateral effects of Russian attacks, raising regional tensions. Allies must weigh responses while guarding Baltic infrastructure.

The downing of Ukrainian drones in Estonia and Latvia is seen as a consequence of Russian aggression, not Kyiv’s fault. This position was voiced by Estonia’s Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur during a joint press conference in Warsaw with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Vladyslav Kosiniak-Kamysz.

Pevkur reminded that overnight near the Auvere Power Plant, a Ukrainian drone crashed into a smoke stack during strikes on facilities in Russia, including in Primorsk, Leningrad Oblast, and that the drone also fell in Latvia.

For a period electricity supply was interrupted (in Estonia – editor’s note). However, let us remember: this is not Ukraine’s fault. All this is a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Ukraine is simply defending its freedom

– Hanno Pevkur

Pevkur also noted that events in the Middle East affect global oil markets and prices, particularly in Poland and the Baltic states. In his assessment, rising global oil prices effectively fund Russia’s military machine, and Moscow’s profits from this could reach about one billion dollars per day.

“Ukraine is doing a lot to limit Russia’s capabilities in this direction, but there is no need to reduce support for Ukraine, as it also fights for our freedom,” Pevkur stressed.

He also stressed the importance of NATO unity, as Putin and the Kremlin are trying to split the alliance. “We must remain united and resist any attempts to divide them,” the minister said.

According to Latvian authorities, President Edgars Rinkēvičs confirmed the downing of a Ukrainian drone on the territory of the Krāslava region during strikes on Russian targets on Wednesday, March 25. Also overnight on March 25, Ukrainian defense forces struck the Vyborg Shipyard in the Leningrad Oblast of the Russian Federation, which led to the destruction of a Russian combat icebreaker.

In the context of regional security, maintaining NATO unity and a firm stance against Russia’s aggression is important, as stability in the Baltic region depends on the allies’ joint actions and unwavering support for Ukraine.