Russia is putting pressure on the Baltic states, hoping to discourage the public from supporting Ukraine, stated EU Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius, UNN reports, citing The Guardian.
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EU Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius has accused the Kremlin of using intimidation tactics against the Baltic states to test their commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Responding to escalating rhetoric from Russia, Kubilius – a former Prime Minister of Lithuania – stated that Moscow is "becoming nervous and… radicalizing in its hybrid attacks against the Baltic states" in response to the deteriorating situation on the front lines in Ukraine.
By making "statements and accusations" against the region, Putin "wants people in these countries… to start hesitating about continuing their support for Ukraine, defense investments, and so on," he told The Guardian.
"Our response must be very clear: to continue what we have been doing so far, to increase our defense spending. I think the European Union could look for ways to further support all the countries of the eastern flank," Kubilius said.
Rutte: there are allies are "not spending enough" to support Ukraine21.05.26, 15:26
Responding to reports of accidental incursions by Ukrainian drones into Baltic airspace, Kubilius said that the region's political leaders are already discussing the issue with Ukraine.
"But it is very important that all border countries, especially the Baltic states… strengthen their own capabilities" when it comes to detecting and responding to drones, he said.
He added that existing systems are not good enough and require urgent upgrades.
"Even in my country, Lithuania, there is confusion about whether there was a drone or not. Detection capabilities are still not at that level. The installed radar system shows enemy fighters or missiles well, but does not detect drones very well. And once drones are detected, of course, countries need to have cost-effective means to destroy them," Kubilius pointed out.
Other assessments from the EU and NATO
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson defends Ukraine against criticism regarding stray drones and warns against Russian disinformation.
"I am firmly convinced that the Ukrainians very much… that is, they definitely do not want their drones to end up on friendly territory, for obvious reasons. Sometimes it's a matter of jamming, sometimes it's a matter of other obstacles, and obviously, they don't want this to happen because it can cause damage, it can create fear, of course," Kristersson said at a joint press conference with the NATO Secretary General ahead of the NATO meeting in Stockholm.
"But I think you also have to be aware that Russia is ready to create the impression that other countries are doing something illegal, and therefore… we really should not be open to the Russian narrative on this, but… help the Ukrainians as much as we can to direct, help them direct their attacks in the right direction," the Swedish Prime Minister indicated.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte joined him and again called various Russian theories that the three Baltic states are allegedly allowing Ukraine to launch drones from their territory "absolutely absurd."
Latvia lifts threat alert over drone; NATO fighter jets were scrambled21.05.26, 15:06
Rutte, in response to a question about the latest drone incident in Latvia, largely repeated his point from yesterday, saying that if it is confirmed to be another accidental drone from Ukraine, then these drones "are there because of Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine, and Ukraine is forced to defend itself."
He pointed out that NATO is "always ready for any possibility," and with its reaction to the accidental drone over Estonia, it showed that it is ready for any scenario.
In Estonia, a NATO fighter jet shot down a drone for the first time – Minister19.05.26, 14:07
In a separate statement, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that Ukraine must be very precise in its use of drones to avoid Russian interference in their flight path.
"Ukraine, of course, must be more precise here to avoid Russian provocations," Kosiniak-Kamysz said at a press conference in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, Reuters reports.
"Our territories… must not be violated, they must not be threatened," he indicated.
Earlier this week, Ukraine apologized for isolated cases where its drones attacking targets in Russia strayed into Baltic airspace, blaming Moscow for "electronic warfare."