Estonia Warns Russia Uses Air Incursions To Distract EU From Ukraine Support

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has warned that Russia's recent airspace violations and drone incursions over European countries are deliberate provocations aimed at distracting Europe from supporting Ukraine. Ahead of an EU summit in Copenhagen, Michal emphasized the importance of European unity and resolve to focus on the main issue: Russia's aggression in Ukraine. He urged EU leaders to back a proposal to use frozen Russian assets to finance a €140 billion loan to Ukraine, asserting that Russia, as the aggressor, should pay for the damage inflicted. Michal described Putin's actions as a miscalculation that has instead strengthened Europe's commitment to defense, transforming it from a "project of peace but without arms" into one armed and ready to face threats. The summit will also discuss enhancing European defenses, including the creation of a "drone wall" to detect and counter Russian drone threats. Michal stressed the need for quicker progress in developing new defense capabilities, acknowledging that building such capacities takes time but is essential for Europe's security.