WW3 fears explode as European countries ask for help

The Baltics are approaching Ukraine for help on building bomb shelters following a series of drone incursions. Drone sightings in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have risen in recent weeks, heightening fears and increasing political tensions.

The last week alone has seen a NATO fighter jet shoot down an unmanned aircraft over Estonia for the first time, while Lithuania’s president and prime minister sheltered in underground bunkers after the country’s airspace was violated by a drone. Baltic firms have recently contacted Ukrainian defence manufacturers and civil protection experts to discuss purchasing bomb shelters, according to the head of a key Ukrainian defence industry group. Ihor Fedirko, CEO and executive director of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, said the firms are attempting to protect their people amid rising concerns over the drone threat.

Speaking to POLITICO at an event in Prague, he said: “They are not huge countries. They’re trying to find the best solutions against the Russian aggression, if it will happen. To keep safe and sound their people.”

“We are ready to help them,” he added.

Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of major Ukrainian steel producer Metinvest, said his firm had held initial talks with Baltic governments about building shelters.

The drones involved in last week’s uptick of sightings are all believed to have originated from Ukraine.

The Baltics and Kyiv have blamed the incidents on Moscow, saying the drones have been pushed off course by Russian electronic jamming.

Moscow has alleged that the Baltics are allowing Ukraine to use their airspace to strike targets inside Russia.

Russia’s ambassador to the UN has also claimed Ukraine plans to launch drones from Latvia and other Baltic states, warning the NATO allies could face retaliation.

The foreign ministers of the Baltic and Nordic nations on Friday accused Russia of a “blatant disinformation campaign and false allegations” over airspace violations in the regions.

The Latvian Government collapsed earlier this month following a fallout over its response to Russia-bound Ukrainian drones entering Latvian territory.

Two drones crashed in the east of the country, including one into an empty oil product storage facility. There were no casualties or injuries.

Ukraine is increasingly using drones to launch long-range attacks deep inside Russia.

Russia launches hundreds of drones most nights against Ukraine, fired in waves alongside missiles.

Last September, at least 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace in one night which triggered widespread condemnation.

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur told POLITICO that Tallinn is well prepared for Russian attacks and has the expertise to protect its people.

A spokesperson for Lithuania’s foreign ministry told the outlet they had no information on the bomb shelter discussions but that learnings from Ukraine are important.

The Latvian foreign minister did not respond to a request for comment.