Drones were sighted over Denmark and Lithuania on Saturday, raising significant security concerns and fears of escalating Russian aggression. This incident adds to a worrying trend of similar sightings that have occurred in recent weeks, including reported violations of NATO airspace in Estonia, Poland, and Romania.
In Denmark, drones were observed near several military installations overnight, prompting a deployment of the Danish Armed Forces. This incident follows earlier drone sightings in the country, including incidents over four airports on Wednesday and near Copenhagen on Monday, which led to flight disruptions lasting several hours.
In Lithuania, three drones were spotted flying near the capital’s Vilnius airport on Friday, according to the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT. The repeated drone activity is seen as a challenge to European security and has prompted comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He stated on social media, “Russia is testing Europe’s ability to defend itself and trying to influence societies so that people start thinking: ‘Why are we giving everything to the Ukrainians when we can’t even protect ourselves?’”
Zelensky also disclosed that during a recent airspace breach, 92 drones were directed towards Poland, with Ukrainian forces successfully intercepting most of them, though 19 drones managed to enter NATO territory.
As security tensions grow in the region, the Kremlin has intensified its military operations in Ukraine. Reports indicate that late Friday and early Saturday, Russian strikes resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to at least 36 others across the country. In the Donetsk region, a critical battleground, over 600 people were evacuated after airstrikes targeted residential buildings and a church. Local Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that Russian forces shelled the area 40 times in a single day.
Ukrainian air defense systems managed to intercept 97 out of 115 drones launched by Russia in recent attacks. In a retaliatory move, Ukraine targeted an oil pumping station in Russia’s Chuvash Republic, prompting a suspension of operations there, according to Russian officials. This action coincides with Russia’s announcement of a partial ban on diesel exports until the end of the year and an extension of existing gasoline export restrictions, following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries.
As the situation evolves, both NATO and European nations are closely monitoring these developments, emphasizing the need for enhanced defense strategies in response to the growing threat posed by Russian military activities.