Russia is increasingly continuing airstrikes and the use of drones near the borders of Europe. This change in attitude is clearly visible in the Baltic states, Poland, Moldova, and Romania, where the war is no longer described as a "hybrid" war.
Airstrikes and Airspace Violations
Moldovan officials identified four drones in their airspace this week, two of which exploded on Moldovan territory. Additionally, two other drones violated Romanian airspace, with one crashing near the city of Sulca. Following these incidents, the northern airspace of Moldova was temporarily closed, and NATO officials placed warships on standby near the Danube Delta.
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Reactions from Polish and Moldovan Officials
In Poland, NATO fighter jets were scrambled twice due to Russian attacks near the Ukrainian border. Also, two border points were evacuated following a fire at a Starlink ground station. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated in a candid speech that Russia is developing "disturbing pressure" tactics and that Poland must be prepared to counter them.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu also reacted seriously to these threats, stating that Russia's war poses a significant danger to all of Europe and reiterated Moldova's support for Ukraine.
In Romania, Defense Minister Radu Mircea expressed concern over the situation but stated that only a "diplomatic protest" is necessary. However, Romanian President Nicolae Ciucă referred to this war as an "aggressive war" in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly and spoke of his country's support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, there are rumors about the potential expansion of Russia's war into Western Europe. The Spanish newspaper El Mundo published a report from the CIA warning that Russia may be planning drone attacks on Italy, France, and Spain.
The Danish Defense Minister also described the current situation as "the most serious" since the end of the Cold War in a recent press conference, stating that Russia is expected to intensify its hybrid war in the coming months.
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