FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Russia is putting pressure on the Baltic states, hoping to discourage public support for Ukraine, says EU defense commissioner
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has accused the Kremlin of using intimidation tactics against the Baltic states to test their commitment to supporting Ukraine.
"Moscow is becoming nervous and ... radicalizing in its hybrid attacks against the Baltic states as a response to the worsening situation on the front lines in Ukraine ," Kubilius said, responding to the escalating rhetoric from Russia.
He stressed that Russia aims to make the citizens of these countries no longer support aid to Ukraine.
“By making statements and accusations against the region, Putin wants people in those countries… to start to hesitate about continuing their support for Ukraine, their defense investments and so on. Our response should be very clear, to continue what we are doing so far, to increase our defense spending. I think the European Union can look for ways to support all the countries on the eastern flank even more ,” he said in a video call with the Guardian’s Shaun Walker.
Responding to reports of accidental intrusions of Ukrainian drones stuck in Baltic airspace, Kubilius said that the region's political leaders are already discussing the issue with Ukraine.
" But what is very important is that all border countries, especially the Baltic countries,... strengthen their capabilities when it comes to detecting and responding to drones ," he said.
Kubilius added that existing systems were not good enough and needed urgent improvement.
"Even in my country, Lithuania, there is confusion about whether there was a drone or not. The detection capability is not yet at that level. The radar system that has been created is good for seeing enemy fighter jets or missiles, but not so good for detecting drones. And once drones are detected, of course countries need to have cost-effective means to destroy them ," he said.
Lini një Përgjigje