After several incidents involving drones, Ukraine wants to send its experts to the Baltic states to strengthen air security and has already contacted the Estonian embassy on the matter, according to ERR.
Due to these drone incidents, Ukraine is considering deploying security experts to the Baltic countries. The Ukrainian side has already been in contact with the Estonian embassy.
“Of course, all of this requires clarification and explanation… For the Ukrainian side, the easiest way to keep their drones away from our territory is more effective control over their own activity,” said Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.
Ukraine has the right to defend itself and strike Russian targets, but, as Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted, the Estonian government is very concerned about the risk of serious incidents. Risk reduction has already been discussed with the Ukrainian side. At the same time, it must be understood that Ukrainian drones are not flying near the border by accident. According to the minister, Russia fears NATO, which is why, for example, it does not use missile systems near the border.
“If we talk about specific incidents and flight trajectories, it is up to Ukraine to decide whether to inform us about them or not. In general, this is operational information,” said Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds.
Ukraine does not intend to stop attacks on Russian ports in the Baltic Sea, which makes it extremely difficult to avoid such drone-related incidents.
“Clearly, there must be cooperation here. In my view, the Estonian state itself should take a proactive approach and not wait for Ukraine to come forward with proposals,” said Estonian security expert Rainer Saks.
The Estonian and Ukrainian defense ministers last spoke a week ago, when one drone briefly entered Estonian airspace. According to Pevkur, they again discussed all the measures previously mentioned.
“It is possible to change the trajectory, it is possible to control drone flight thanks to so-called kill switches built into them — automatic self-destruction systems. If it is seen that a drone is deviating from its course, it can be remotely destroyed,” Pevkur explained.