Estonia and Latvia say territories hit by stray Ukrainian drones

Estonia and Latvia reported that Ukrainian drones entered their airspace from Russia overnight, with one drone striking a power plant chimney in Auvere, Estonia, and another exploding in the Kraslava region of Latvia. The incidents occurred around the same time as Ukraine launched a large drone attack on the Russian port of Ust-Luga, near the Estonian border. While no major damage or injuries were reported, Baltic air patrols were activated and warnings were issued to Estonian residents. Officials from both Estonia and Latvia confirmed the drones were Ukrainian, suggesting they deviated from their course, possibly due to Russian interference or electromagnetic warfare. A similar incident occurred in Lithuania earlier in the week, raising concerns about the potential for further incidents.

Estonia and Latvia reported drone incursions from Russian airspace on Wednesday, raising concerns about regional spillover from the Ukraine war. In Estonia, a drone originating from Russia struck a power station chimney in Auvere, causing no casualties. Simultaneously, Latvia identified a drone entering its airspace from Russia, crashing in the Kraslava region without causing damage. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina indicated the drone might be Ukrainian and launched an investigation. These incidents occurred amidst Ukrainian strikes against Russia, including the port of Ust-Luga, potentially placing Estonia and Latvia along drone trajectories. The breaches have renewed discussions within the EU about establishing a "drone wall" to protect its eastern border.

On Christmas, Poland scrambled fighter jets after detecting a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near its airspace over the Baltic Sea; the Russian aircraft was intercepted and escorted out. Polish authorities also detected objects, likely smuggling balloons from Belarus, entering Polish airspace overnight, leading to a temporary closure of airspace over the Podlaskie Voivodeship. These incidents occurred shortly after Polish aircraft were scrambled earlier in the week due to widespread Russian strikes against Ukraine. The Polish response included support from NATO allies. The Ukrainian President reported that Russia launched over 650 drones and 30 missiles targeting Ukraine's energy sector and civilian infrastructure before Christmas, resulting in casualties.

On Christmas, Poland scrambled fighter jets after detecting a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near its airspace over the Baltic Sea; the Russian aircraft was intercepted and escorted out. Polish authorities also detected objects, likely smuggling balloons from Belarus, entering Polish airspace overnight, leading to a temporary closure of airspace over the Podlaskie Voivodeship. These incidents occurred shortly after Polish aircraft were scrambled earlier in the week due to widespread Russian strikes against Ukraine. The Polish response included support from NATO allies. The Ukrainian President reported that Russia launched over 650 drones and 30 missiles targeting Ukraine's energy sector and civilian infrastructure before Christmas, resulting in casualties.

On Christmas, Poland scrambled fighter jets after detecting a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near its airspace over the Baltic Sea; the Russian aircraft was intercepted and escorted out. Polish authorities also detected objects, likely smuggling balloons from Belarus, entering Polish airspace overnight, leading to a temporary closure of airspace over the Podlaskie Voivodeship. These incidents occurred shortly after Polish aircraft were scrambled earlier in the week due to widespread Russian strikes against Ukraine. The Polish response included support from NATO allies. The Ukrainian President reported that Russia launched over 650 drones and 30 missiles targeting Ukraine's energy sector and civilian infrastructure before Christmas, resulting in casualties.