EU, Ukraine Agree 'Eastern Flank Watch' Drone Wall

Repeated unexplained drone sightings over Danish military sites and several European airports forced closures and diversions, raising NATO alarm as investigations continue. Frontline EU states agreed to develop an “Eastern Flank Watch” — a multilayered “drone wall” with advanced detection, tracking and interception and expanded situational awareness across ground, maritime and space systems — and the European Commission is working on technical and funding details to make it operational quickly. Ukraine has been invited to contribute drone and counter‑drone expertise and industrial capacity to help design affordable, scalable protections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using tankers to launch and operate drones targeting European countries and called for closing certain waters and sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet; Russia has denied responsibility and blasted the EU’s defensive plans. Denmark has accepted Swedish assistance on anti‑drone capabilities, is considering measures including legislation to allow infrastructure owners to shoot down drones, and has limited public comment for operational‑security reasons. Officials warned drones could be launched from ships or nearby waters, prompting calls for urgent, coordinated EU–NATO action to bolster air and maritime surveillance.