„Ukrainian drones crashing on NATO territory are a price worth paying”

The Estonian minister’s declaration was made in an interview with the British daily “Financial Times.” The newspaper recalled that last week, a Ukrainian drone with a five-kilogram warhead that failed to detonate was found in a field in Estonia. Ukrainian drones have also crashed on the territory of Lithuania and Finland this year. In Latvia, stray Ukrainian drones struck fuel tanks near the eastern border. This incident served as a catalyst that led to the collapse of the government.

The Estonian minister assessed that “the tone around Putin has changed over the last two and a half months” and that the Kremlin “seemed deeply concerned” by the Ukrainian attacks. These strikes are affecting Russian exports through the Baltic Sea (approximately 60 percent of Russian oil is transported through the Gulf of Finland). Furthermore, successful strikes are embarrassing for the regime and undermine its authority. Attacks on oil installations in St. Petersburg and Moscow were particularly damaging to the government’s image.

When asked about the potential involvement of the European Union in negotiations with Russia, Tsahkna correctly pointed out that member states should first agree on a common position. “Before Europe decides who is to represent it, it must first agree on a common message, and only then choose its representative.”

This is an important and arguably the first political declaration of its kind in the region. In practice, it signifies consent for the transit of Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and an acceptance of the fact that related incidents will occur, despite the inherent danger. Nevertheless, due to the lack of opposition from the Baltic states, Ukraine is able to effectively attack targets inside the Russian Federation. After years of war and attempts to negotiate with the aggressor, it must be accepted that Russia must first be forced to make peace, and only further successful Ukrainian strikes can lead to concessions from the Kremlin. Drone attacks have tangible effects on the situation within the country. Currently, Russia is facing fuel shortages on its territory. Domestic fuel production is falling, and damage to infrastructure and transport disruptions are hindering delivery to various regions.