EU leaders address drone incursions in Baltic region, von der Leyen cites Russian hybrid strategy (euronews.com)

• Von der Leyen says drone incursions are Russian deliberate strategy to destabilize EU
• Baltic states have recorded at least six incidents since May 2026
• EU allocates €800 billion for defence, including drone wall and SAFE loans

"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that recent drone incursions into EU airspace are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate Russian strategy to destabilize democratic societies. Speaking in Vilnius alongside Baltic leaders, she warned the situation could spread along the eastern border. Since early May, at least six incursions have been recorded, including incidents in Latvia that led to the resignation of the prime minister and defence minister, and a major incident in Lithuania that sent officials to bunkers. Romania intercepted a Ukrainian drone over Estonia, with officials blaming Russia for GPS jamming. The EU has earmarked €800 billion for defence, including a drone wall by 2027 and €12 billion in loans for the Baltics."