Estonian and Danish intelligence services warn of increasing danger from Russia's "shadow fleet" in the Baltic Sea. Russian vessels are carrying out provocations near NATO territories, creating risks of accidents.
Last week, NATO fighter jets scrambled three times over the Baltic states to intercept Russian aircraft that violated flight rules. The incidents involved aircraft without flight plans, and some without activated transponders or radio communication.
13 Ukrainian police chiefs underwent training in Estonia, where their Estonian counterparts shared their experience in reforming law enforcement agencies. The project will last two years, and six groups of Ukrainian police officers will complete it by 2027.
Lithuania commits to allocating at least 0. 25% of its GDP to Ukraine's defense and security needs. This was stated by Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, confirming an unwavering belief in Ukraine's victory.
Prosecutor General of Ukraine Ruslan Kravchenko, during his visits to London and The Hague, emphasized the need to bring the highest leaders of the Russian Federation to justice for the crime of aggression. He discussed issues of the Special Tribunal, extradition, asset forfeiture, and sanctions circumvention.
The G7+ group held an urgent meeting due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Over 100 representatives from countries and international organizations discussed the consequences of the strikes and the immediate needs for recovery.
EU Special Representative for Sanctions David O'Sullivan stated that Europe is on the verge of a potential major conflict and does not have the resources to resolve it. Threats are escalating due to the war in Ukraine and drone flights over EU countries.
The tanker Boracay, detained by the French military on suspicion of ties to Russia's "shadow fleet," continued its course from the west coast of France to the Suez Canal, according to Marine Traffic and Vesselfinder.
On the morning of October 3, Munich airport management halted operations due to the appearance of drones. This led to the cancellation of 17 flights and disrupted travel for almost 3,000 passengers.
Ukraine's allies in Europe and NATO are pressuring the Greek government to sell some of its Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Kyiv through the PURL initiative. Athens is reluctant to transfer modern weapons to Ukraine, preferring outdated armaments.
The largest training center, Camp Jomsborg, for up to 1,200 Ukrainian military personnel has opened in Poland. The center, established with the support of European partners, will enhance the exchange of combat experience between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and NATO.
Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, criticized EU leaders for their inability to protect airports from drone attacks, calling for the immediate shooting down of unmanned aerial vehicles. He mentioned incidents in Poland and Denmark where drones paralyzed air traffic.
French President Emmanuel Macron, at a summit in Copenhagen, spoke about the need for greater unpredictability to strengthen deterrence. He noted that drones violating airspace can be destroyed and called for increased sanctions against Russia.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed dissatisfaction with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal regarding his desire to invoke Article 4 of the Alliance treaty after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace. Rutte believes that NATO will lose its strength if it invokes the article for every violation of sovereignty by drones or cyberattacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Copenhagen to participate in the European Political Community summit. He met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, discussing airspace violations and a joint air defense system.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia's incursions into European airspace are tantamount to "state-sponsored terrorism. " She noted that Russia is escalating the situation with various incursions.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that the deployment of F-35 fighter jets to Poland is a demonstration of the allies' readiness to counter Russian aggression. The Netherlands also plans to send Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems and anti-drone equipment to Poland.
The Telegraph reports that Europe could create an air defense system over western Ukraine to intercept Russian missiles and drones, with the prospect of extending it to Kyiv. This is a response to the intensification of Russian provocations in Europe, which include drones, aircraft, and cyberattacks.
The European Commission has proposed four key defense projects, including a drone wall to block Russian air aggression. These proposals will be discussed at an informal meeting of EU leaders in Copenhagen.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO is strengthening coordination and support for Ukraine after drone incidents in Poland and Estonia. Aid to Kyiv is a strategic defense of Europe's security and stability.
President Zelenskyy announced the receipt of funding for 4 aid packages for the purchase of American weapons within the framework of the PURL initiative. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Canada have contributed a total of over $2 billion.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns citizens against traveling to Belarus due to documented cases of interrogations and detentions, as well as difficulties with consular assistance. Since May 20, 2024, there have been no diplomats or a consul at the Belarusian diplomatic mission in Estonia.
Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stated that hybrid attacks have become a new reality for Europe, comparing them to the events of September 11, 2001. Sweden has provided Denmark with equipment to combat drones and is cooperating with the police ahead of summits in Copenhagen.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the strengthening of air defense on NATO's eastern flank. Germany will transfer two more Patriot systems to Ukraine by the end of the year and send units with anti-drone systems to Denmark.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Russia is starting a new stage of escalation and hybrid warfare against the transatlantic community. He noted that the integration of the Ukrainian air defense system into a single European system should become a decisive step to strengthen security.
President Zelenskyy proposed to Poland and its partners to create a joint shield against Russian air threats, citing Ukraine's experience. He also noted that Russia could have used tankers in the Baltic Sea to launch drones.
In recent weeks, NATO countries have faced provocations from Russia: fighter jet flights and drones over strategic facilities. These are elements of hybrid warfare aimed at destabilizing and dividing partners.
The European Union has launched an official investigation into the supply of urea from Russia. Finland and Sweden are strengthening the defense of NATO's eastern flank, while Serbia and Kenya have detained suspects in pro-Russian activities.
On Saturday morning, a local resident discovered a drone fragment in the Luitemaa nature reserve in Pärnu County, Estonia. The Security Police are investigating the circumstances of how the foreign drone part ended up on the Estonian coast.
NATO Chiefs of Staff discussed recent airspace violations by Russian forces. The President of Latvia called for strengthening air defense and transforming Baltic air policing into an air defense mission.
