Russian Drones Incursions in Estonia and Latvia Amid Ukraine Conflict
**Excerpt:** Estonia and Latvia report drone incursions from Russia as part of a significant wave of attacks on Ukraine, raising concerns about NATO security.
Key Points:
– Estonia and Latvia confirmed Russian drones entered their territories.
– The incursions occurred during a large-scale drone attack on Ukraine.
– Ukrainian officials condemned the attacks as an escalation of aggression.
– Over 1,000 drones were reported launched at Ukraine in recent days.
– NATO airspace violations by Russia have increased significantly.
Russian Drone Attacks on NATO Territory
Estonia and Latvia reported that Russian drones breached their airspace on Wednesday morning, coinciding with one of Russia’s largest drone attacks on Ukraine since the conflict began. Estonia’s Internal Security Service stated that a drone from Russia crashed into the chimney of a power station. Latvia’s armed forces also reported a drone incident, although it did not cause damage.
Increased Airspace Violations
Throughout the war, there has been a notable increase in violations of NATO airspace by Russian aircraft. In 2025, NATO members recorded 18 such violations, a threefold increase compared to 2024. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized these incursions as an escalation of Russia’s ongoing military aggression, which he asserts poses a threat to all of Europe.
Recent Drone Assault on Ukraine
The drone incursions followed a massive aerial assault on Ukraine, with nearly 1,000 drones launched since Monday evening. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that more than 550 drones were aimed at western regions of Ukraine on Tuesday, particularly near borders with NATO countries.
Civilian Impact in Ukraine
The drone strikes have caused significant civilian casualties. In Lviv, one drone struck an apartment building, injuring 22 people, while a maternity hospital in Ivano-Frankivsk was also damaged. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha equated Russia’s actions to those of Iran, suggesting that Russia’s tactics resemble those employed against civilian infrastructure in the Middle East.
Calls for Stronger Defense
In his nightly address, President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for stronger international pressure on Russia, arguing that current measures are insufficient. He expressed concerns that recent relaxation of sanctions on Russian oil might embolden further aggression, stressing that Russia’s threats extend beyond Ukraine to the entire European region.
