The Estonian government has initiated discussions with Ukraine regarding potential collaboration on drone operations, following a series of incidents in the Baltic region. The specifics of this initiative are still being finalized, according to local media reports.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized the need for Ukraine to enhance its control over drone flights. He stated, “The simplest way for Ukrainians to keep their drones away from our territory is to better manage their operations.”
Concerns have heightened in the region after recent reports of aerial threats in Latvia, where two drones reportedly crashed, causing damage to an oil storage facility.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna affirmed Tallinn’s support for Ukraine’s right to target Russian assets but expressed worries about the risks posed to NATO territory. He warned that there is a possibility of Russia intercepting Ukrainian drones and redirecting them towards Baltic nations.
“If we consider the proximity to NATO borders, if Russia were to use a missile system or something similar that could reach NATO territory, it is clear that Russia fears NATO and does not wish to escalate the military conflict. However, it is also dangerous that Russia could take control of Ukrainian drones and send them towards us, potentially causing civilian casualties,” Tsahkna remarked.
Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds noted that Ukraine is unlikely to share detailed plans regarding its attacks with partners, as such information is operationally sensitive. He stated, “When it comes to specific cases and flight trajectories, Ukraine must decide whether to inform us or not. Overall, this is operational information.”
Despite ongoing attacks by Ukraine on Russian ports in the Baltic Sea, experts believe it will be challenging to completely avoid drone-related incidents. Rainer Saks, a security expert in Estonia, suggested that Baltic nations should proactively coordinate with Ukraine rather than waiting for initiatives from Kyiv.
Last week, Estonian and Ukrainian defence ministers discussed the situation after a drone briefly entered Estonian airspace. Pevkur mentioned that various technical solutions are being considered to mitigate risks. He explained, “We can alter flight paths, and drones can be equipped with so-called kill switches, which are automatic destruction systems. If a drone deviates from its course, it can be destroyed remotely.”
It is worth noting that on May 7, unidentified drones violated Latvian airspace from Russia, leading to reports of two drones crashing.
Estonia is engaging with Ukraine to improve drone control following incidents in the Baltic region. Officials express concerns about the risks posed to NATO territory and the potential for intercepted drones.