Key facts
- Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia requested €500 million in EU funding for drone defense capabilities.
- The Baltic states cited increased Russian hybrid threats, including drone incursions, as justification for the funding request.
- European ministers noted a rise in sabotage and cyberattacks but dismissed fears of an imminent direct Russian assault on NATO.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated Russia is trying to scare Europe into reducing support for Ukraine.
- Polish officials reported actual attacks, including arson, explosions, and drone incursions.
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have jointly requested €500 million ($569.45 million) from the European Commission to bolster their drone defense capabilities amid rising concerns over Russian hybrid warfare tactics. The Baltic states cited an increase in drone incursions and other covert operations, which they believe are intended to sow fear and undermine support for Ukraine.
European ministers speaking at the UN General Assembly acknowledged a proliferation of sabotage and cyberattacks but largely dismissed fears of an imminent direct military assault on NATO. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Moscow is attempting to scare Europe into reducing its aid to Kyiv. Polish officials described such activities as actual attacks, citing incidents like arson, explosions, and drone incursions, with the Polish Army also reporting a brief incursion of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter into its airspace. Romania's foreign minister noted over 100 incursions by drones or their fragments onto its territory.
Despite these incidents, ministers like Estonia's Margus Tsahkna argued that Russia lacks the capability for a direct military confrontation with NATO while its forces are engaged in Ukraine. They suggested Moscow's campaign is primarily aimed at creating fear and division within Western societies. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys indicated that intelligence suggests Russia might seek to escalate pressure through attacks on critical infrastructure and other hybrid activities. The ministers emphasized unity, deterrence, and continued support for Ukraine as the best response to these tactics.