The European Union will involve Ukraine in a large-scale project called the “drone wall,” aimed at protecting the eastern borders of the EU and Ukraine from drone attacks. This was announced by European Commission spokesperson Thomas Renier, emphasizing that the initiative is a response to recent violations of Polish airspace by Russian drones.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“This includes protecting our frontline countries and Ukraine from potential drone attacks,” he said.
European Initiative to Strengthen Security
The implementation of the “drone wall” is possible through funding from the SAFE lending instrument, which Ukraine also has access to. European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius announced the initiation of talks with defense ministers of EU countries regarding the establishment of this defensive line. Discussions are scheduled for Friday, September 26.
According to Kubilius, the idea of building a drone defense system was discussed even before the incident in Poland; however, it became particularly relevant after the incursion of the Russian drone. The European executive body is poised to swiftly move towards the practical implementation of this project.
Response to the Russian Threat
The incident involving the incursion of Russian drones on the night of September 10 occurred during a massive attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine. Reports indicate that the drones were destroyed by NATO forces after crossing Polish airspace.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the targets of the strike were defense industry enterprises in five regions of Ukraine and that attacks on facilities in Poland were allegedly not planned. Meanwhile, the Polish government is convinced that the drones’ entry into their territory was deliberate, not accidental.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, after a meeting with ambassadors from member countries of the alliance, emphasized that allies expressed full solidarity with Poland and strongly condemned Russia’s actions.