East Front News #86: Sabotages in Poland; Ukraine delivers support to the Persian Gulf countries

Are Ukrainian citizens responsible for most sabotage in Poland?

The greatest success of Russian operations in Poland is often not the act of sabotage itself but who is presented as the perpetrator. After most incidents the public message highlights a „Ukrainian citizen”; and in that moment the Kremlin achieves its objective: weakening social trust and fraying relations between Warsaw and Kyiv, effectively, with almost no direct military involvement.

Author: Dr Aleksander Olech

Urgent meeting in Bucharest. Romania to assist the United States in the war with Iran?

On 11th March, at the request of Romanian President Nicușor Dan, an emergency meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defence of Romania was convened. The meeting of the body responsible for taking key decisions regarding Romania’s national security focused primarily on the potential provision of Romanian military infrastructure for use by the United States Army.  Shortly after 12:30 p.m., President Dan confirmed that the United States had approached Bucharest with a request to make Romanian military airfields available for the basing and servicing of communications and radar equipment.

Author: Michał Górski

Revamped Staatsräson: Merz's Germany hardens tone on Israel

From „never negotiable” to new red lines: Merz is recalibrating Germany’s historic bond with Israel. Is the era of unconditional support over? Inside Berlin’s major policy shift.

While the German government continues to treat Israel’s security as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, Berlin is adopting a noticeably sharper tone. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has recently warned against a protracted war with Iran, condemned annexation plans in the West Bank, and stated that the scale of civilian suffering in Gaza can no longer be justified under the guise of counter-terrorism - wrote Jakub Bielamowicz.

Ukraine delivers support to the Persian Gulf countries

Ukrainian counter-drone specialists will operate in the Middle East.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the provision of support on Tuesday, March 10. Teams of specialists are expected to arrive on site later this week in Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

In exchange for providing assistance, the President of Ukraine expects that Ukraine will receive means to counter Russian air attacks. The country primarily needs missiles for its air defense systems—specifically PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors for the Patriot systems.

Author: Patryk Jagnieża

France's controversial arms exports to Serbia and Croatia

France controversially sells advanced weapons to both Croatia and Serbia, despite Serbia’s close ties to Russia and its differing alignment with Europe. The most significant recent step in Franco-Serbian security policy is Serbia’s purchase of 12 Dassault Rafale fighter jets.

Author: Eduard Vasilj

Estonia and South Korea expand defense industry ties

South Korea’s defense industry is expanding in Europe. A major Hanwha Aerospace investment in Estonia highlights Seoul’s strategy of combining arms exports with industrial partnerships.

South Korea’s defense industry continues to expand its presence in Europe, and Estonia is emerging as one of its newest important partners. Hanwha Aerospace has just announced a major direct investment package worth nearly €100 million aimed at strengthening Estonia’s defense industry.

Author: Natalia Matiaszczyk

Ukrainian instructors will prepare Europe to defend against Russia

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an agreement in February under which Ukrainian soldiers will train German troops. The Bundeswehr will receive training in the use of drones, artillery, armored operations, engineering units, and command-and-control systems.

Author: Patryk Jagnieża