Vilnius (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Union defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated on Monday that Europe is unprepared to effectively respond to a Russian drone attack and needs to incorporate Ukraine’s proven capabilities to improve its own protection.
The European Union is working quickly to strengthen its drone defences following NATO jets shooting down Russian drones over Poland in September.
How can Europe integrate Ukraine’s battlefield expertise effectively?
“Why did it take us more than two years and the trigger of the Russian provocation with drones against Poland, and also against Baltic States and Romania, to understand that we are not ready to detect Russian drones and to destroy them with cost-effective means?”
AFP reported.
Kubilius stated in an address in Vilnius.
“The Russians are learning. Are we?”.
Kubilius emphasised that, as European countries catch up, they should work to integrate Ukraine and its experienced military of about 800,000 personnel into their overall defence strategies.
“If we do not do that, we shall make a historical mistake, which shall leave us weaker. And which shall leave Ukraine weaker,”
Kubilius said.
What prompted the renewed urgency behind the EU drone wall?
In September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged to develop a “drone wall” to shield frontline countries from Russia. The European Commission is set to focus on the technical and financial aspects necessary to build this drone wall, aiming to safeguard Europe from Russian threats.
European Defence ministers from about 10 EU countries agreed to prioritise the “drone wall” for the bloc after recent airspace violations by Russia unsettled some member states.
EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated that
“Russia is testing the EU and NATO, and our response must be firm, united and immediate.”
This statement followed a virtual meeting of 10 countries on Europe’s eastern flank, which also included Ukrainian and NATO representatives. In response, NATO has also deployed reinforcements to its eastern flank and is increasing drone defences following the incident in Poland.
Last month, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced that the alliance and the European Union are working together to create a drone wall to protect member nations from drone threats and intrusions.
When asked about whether efforts are being increased, Rutte clarified that the EU and NATO have separate roles: NATO provides military capabilities, whereas the EU concentrates on soft power via the internal market and financial backing.
How did recent incidents accelerate defence coordination?
Over the last few months, European airspace, starting with Poland, has faced numerous incursions by drones and fighter jets thought to be connected to Russia. In early September 2025, about 20 Russian drones entered Poland’s airspace, prompting a response from NATO jets.
Similar drone incursions occurred in Romania, causing temporary airport closures in major European cities like Copenhagen, Munich, Berlin, and Brussels. There were also sightings near military bases in Belgium and Denmark. Additionally, Russian fighter jets violated airspace in countries such as Estonia and Denmark.
