Drones were detected over Denmark and Lithuania on March 15, 2024, escalating security concerns and fears of Russian aggression in Europe. These sightings are part of a troubling trend, with previous incidents reported in NATO airspace over Estonia, Poland, and Romania.
In Denmark, drones were observed near multiple military facilities overnight, prompting a response from the Danish Armed Forces. This incident followed several earlier drone sightings in the Nordic nation, including over four airports on March 13, which resulted in flight delays in Copenhagen.
In Lithuania, three drones were spotted near the capital, Vilnius, according to local broadcaster LRT. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the situation, stating, “Russia is testing Europe’s ability to defend itself,” and expressed concerns that such actions could influence public opinion regarding support for Ukraine. He added that 92 drones attempted to breach Polish airspace earlier this month, with Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepting most, except for 19 that entered Poland.
As these drone incidents unfold, the Kremlin continues its onslaught on Ukraine. Reports indicate that two civilians were killed and over 36 injured in a new wave of Russian attacks late on March 15 and into the following day. In the Donetsk region, a focal point of the conflict, air strikes targeted residential areas, resulting in the evacuation of more than 600 individuals. Governor Vadym Filashkin reported on Telegram that Russian forces shelled settlements in the region 40 times in a single day.
Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept 97 out of 115 drones launched by Russia, demonstrating the ongoing challenge faced by Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, Ukraine conducted a strike on an oil pumping station in Russia’s Chuvash Republic, leading to a suspension of operations, as confirmed by a Russian official. This action followed Russia’s recent imposition of a partial ban on diesel exports until the end of the year and an extension of an existing gasoline export ban.
The escalation in drone activity and continued military operations underscore the heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, as nations grapple with the implications of Russian military maneuvers in the region.
