Two Russian drones have entered NATO airspace in the Baltic region, raising new security concerns as Moscow intensifies its aerial assault on Ukraine with almost 1,000 UAVs.
One drone struck the chimney of the Auvere power station in Ida-Viru County, northeastern Estonia, while the other crashed into Latvian territory near Kraslava, close to the Belarusian border. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and infrastructure remained intact.
Estonian authorities stated that the drone was not intentionally directed at the Auvere plant or Estonian territory. Investigations are ongoing to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident. A spokesperson from the Prosecutor’s Office noted, “According to current information, the drone was not directed at Estonia.”
Despite the apparent lack of intent, Estonian Justice Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta announced that the government would convene an emergency session in response to the security incident. The Estonian Information System Authority (RIA) also acknowledged technical issues affecting its alert app, which had sent warnings about a potential drone threat in northeastern Estonia.
In Latvia, authorities recovered the wreckage of the drone and confirmed that no civilians were injured, and no damage was caused to infrastructure. The Internal Security Service (ISS/KAPO) stated that investigations are ongoing.
These incidents occurred as Russian forces launched a record wave of drone strikes across Ukraine, with 948 unmanned aerial vehicles targeting cities nationwide in the largest 24-hour aerial assault since the war began. Over 400 drones struck during daylight hours in an unusually coordinated attack, highlighting a new intensity in Moscow’s campaign.
The breach of NATO airspace has raised concerns about the risk of accidental escalation in the Baltic region, particularly amid increasing tensions between the alliance and Russia. Analysts have warned that even an unintentional crossing could provoke diplomatic or military responses from Estonia, Latvia, and their allies.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said a “large number of drones” swarmed into Ukraine from the north.
He added: “The geography of the strikes during the daytime was broader than at night… It can be said this was one of the largest attacks within a 24-hour period.
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