Russia uses drones to pressure Europe<\/p>\n
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a press conference in Vilnius that drone incidents in the Baltic states are not accidental.<\/p>\n
According to her, this is a carefully planned Russian strategy aimed at undermining the stability of democratic countries in the region.<\/p>\n
She emphasized that the European Union views these actions as part of a broader hybrid pressure tactic.<\/p>\n
EU response and support for the Baltic states<\/p>\n
The head of the European Commission stated that despite attempts at destabilization, Russia is not achieving its objectives.<\/p>\n
She separately highlighted the resilience of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and expressed full support from the EU.<\/p>\n
Von der Leyen recalled that the Baltic states are already receiving additional assistance under European security programs, including funding and strengthened defense capabilities.<\/p>\n
Strengthening defense and investment in air defense<\/p>\n
According to the Commission President, the EU is actively investing in counter-drone systems, modernization of air defense, and protection of critical infrastructure.<\/p>\n
She specifically mentioned the SAFE program, under which Lithuania has already signed a corresponding plan, while Latvia and Estonia are preparing similar agreements.<\/p>\n
Overall, the Baltic states could receive around \u20ac12 billion in additional support.<\/p>\n
In addition, \u20ac1.5 billion from the Cohesion Fund has been allocated to improve defense readiness and border control.<\/p>\n
New warning systems and coordination with NATO<\/p>\n
Von der Leyen emphasized the need to create a more unified early warning system and to strengthen cross-border information sharing.<\/p>\n
According to her, particular attention should be given to integrating national systems with the EU\u2019s Copernicus and Galileo space programs.<\/p>\n
She also announced plans to carry out a joint comprehensive assessment with NATO of counter-drone capabilities in the region, in order to identify weak points and speed up the elimination of threats.<\/p>\n
Lithuania\u2019s position: “Solidarity is not enough’<\/p>\n
Lithuanian President Gitanas Naus\u0117da said that the growing number of airspace violations requires not only political statements from the EU, but concrete action.<\/p>\n
According to him, the EU\u2019s eastern border is under pressure from drones, cyberattacks, and threats to critical infrastructure.<\/p>\n
He stressed that the Baltic states expect practical security solutions, including modernization of air defense systems and early response mechanisms.<\/p>\n
Situation in Kaliningrad and the risk of regional escalation<\/p>\n
Naus\u0117da also commented on reports of warnings in Russia\u2019s Kaliningrad region, saying he could not assess their nature.<\/p>\n
He stressed that the territory of the Baltic states cannot be used for attacks against neighboring countries.<\/p>\n
He also noted that the development of Ukrainian long-range drones is affecting the regional situation and increasing tensions, influencing perceptions of security inside Russia.<\/p>\n
A NATO fighter jet patrolling Baltic airspace reportedly destroyed <\/a>a drone over Estonian territory.<\/p>\n