Estonia's foreign minister said that Russia is deliberately sending drones toward NATO
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that Russia is deliberately sending Ukrainian drones into the airspace of NATO countries. According to him, Moscow is attempting to weaken the allies’ support for Ukraine in this way.
As reported by "EP," the official made this statement before the start of the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Sweden on May 22.
Tsakna commented on the increase in drone incidents in the Baltic states, emphasizing that Russia is responsible for them.
"Over the past few weeks, more and more drones have been flying into our territory—these are Ukrainian drones, but Russia bears responsibility for this. After all, it is Russia that is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, and it is Russia that is directing these drones into NATO territory," the minister said.
In this context, he noted NATO’s air defense on the eastern flank, which was able to shoot down a drone over Estonia on May 19.
The Estonian Foreign Minister emphasized that Russia is exploiting these incidents for its own purposes to pressure allies into pressuring Ukraine and weakening their support for it. He added that Ukraine has the right to strike targets on Russian territory.
"I want to assure you that Ukraine has every right to attack these targets deep inside Russia that are helping to wage this war of aggression against it. So I think Ukraine will continue. Of course, they need to be more cautious. But all responsibility in this matter lies with Russia," the official emphasized.
Tsakhna added that these incidents should serve as an incentive to increase pressure on Russia.
"Putin is trying to divide the unity of the West, as well as force us all to put more pressure on Ukraine to stop these attacks—'long-range' sanctions, as the Ukrainians say. So this is the right way forward—to put more pressure on Russia," the minister stated.
Estonia has blamed Russia for the arrival of Ukrainian drones.
A Romanian fighter jet participating in a NATO air patrol mission shot down a stray attack drone over Estonian territory.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, commenting on the incident involving the downing of a drone over the country’s territory, stated that this is a consequence of Russia’s war and provocations. He also emphasized that Ukraine has every right to strike Russian military targets.
