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 were created 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 Ruginien, were evacuated. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reacted by saying that these threats were unacceptable and declared that “Europe will respond”, blaming Russia and Belarus for endangering security on the EU’s eastern borders.
According to the article, during the month alone, about six suspected drone incidents have been reported in the airspace of the Baltic countries and Finland, which has increased concerns about regional security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called these incidents a “coordinated provocation,” stressing that the situation cannot be ignored, especially after previous cases when drones have also entered Polish airspace.
On the other hand, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that these events are a consequence of Russian aggression in Ukraine and that the alliance is reacting quickly and according to its defense plan.
European Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, said on Tuesday, following a drone incident in Latvia, that Russia is testing new "forms" of pressure on Eastern Bloc countries - aimed at "intimidating the people of the region".
He proposed increased defense spending and greater support for Ukraine, writes Euronews.
t7 live
