Kyiv apologizes as stray drones test allies’ patience and air defense systems
Ukrainian drones during testing (Photo: FEDOROV / Telegram)
Ukrainian drones have crossed into European Union countries
because Russian electronic warfare systems pushed them off course, not because
Ukraine deliberately sent them toward its partners, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry
spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said, NV’s correspondent reported.
Tykhyi said Ukraine remains in constant contact with its
partners on the issue.
“Ukraine is in close contact with all our partners where
such situations or threats arise. That includes the Baltic states, Finland,
Romania, Moldova, Greece and other partners that have indeed seen such
incidents,” he said.
In some cases, Tykhyi said, Ukraine warned partners in
advance that a drone had been knocked off course by Russian electronic warfare.
He said Ukraine has also set up hotlines with partners to help protect them.
“That is, we do not want to create any problems or any
threats for our partners. In addition, I can also officially state that Ukraine
has never, under any circumstances, sent any weapons or systems toward partner
countries. The incidents that have occurred are solely the result of Russian
electronic warfare systems, which divert drones, and do so deliberately,” he said.
Tykhyi said Ukraine had not asked for access to Baltic
airspace to carry out strikes.
“And the Baltic states, accordingly, have never provided it.
This is purely Russian disinformation, which Moscow is using to influence
public opinion,” he said.
Tykhyi also apologized for cases in which Ukrainian drones
cross into partner countries. He said Ukraine is fighting an enemy whose scale
of terror is unprecedented in Europe since World War II.
“This is an enemy of such scale that fighting it requires a
large-scale response. Accordingly, as the number of operations grows, we are
indeed seeing an increase in such possible incidents. We apologize for all of
this and ask for understanding of the enemy we are dealing with. And I think
everyone is interested in Ukraine stopping this terror by force. Together with
our partners, with their support, we ask for understanding in these
situations,” he said.
On June 9, the Institute for the Study of War said Moscow is
using drone incidents to deflect responsibility for any unintended Russian UAV
strikes or a possible future false-flag attack against Romania or the Baltic
states.
On the morning of June 8, air raid alerts were issued in
Latvia’s Kraslava and Ludza municipalities because of a drone incursion.
Warnings of a possible threat were in effect in Rezekne and Balvi
municipalities. NATO allied fighter jets were scrambled.
Moldova’s Defense Ministry also reported earlier on June 9
that a UAV had entered the country and exploded in a field.
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