Heightened concern has prevailed in recent days in the Baltic countries due to suspicious drones that have violated their airspace, with Ursula von der Leyen condemning Russia for threatening the security of the regions. Specifically, Ursula von der Leyen assigned political responsibility to Russia and Belarus for drone incidents affecting security in the eastern flank of the EU and NATO, following airspace violations in Baltic countries.
Ursula von der Leyen: Russia’s public threats completely unacceptable
In a post on platform “X,” the European Commission President stated that “Russia’s public threats against the Baltic states are completely unacceptable,” emphasizing that “a threat against one member state constitutes a threat against the entire Union.” She noted that “Russia and Belarus bear direct responsibility for unmanned aircraft endangering the lives and safety of people on our eastern flank.”
The statement comes amid growing concern in the EU and NATO over drone incidents, electronic interference and hybrid threats in the Baltic region, during escalation of the war in Ukraine and Ukrainian attacks with long-range drones against Russian targets in areas near the Baltic.
Von der Leyen added that “Europe will respond with unity and strength,” noting that the EU will continue to strengthen the security and defensive readiness of its eastern flank.
Russia’s public threats against our Baltic States are completely unacceptable.
Let there be no doubt.
A threat against one Member State is a threat against our entire Union.
Russia and Belarus bear direct responsibility for drones endangering the lives and security of people…
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 20, 2026
