Ukrainian drone expert states drones targeting Russia; no threat to Baltic states

Summary

Ukrainian drone expert confirms Ukrainian drones target Russia, not Baltic states, calling for enhanced joint European air defenses against Russian electronic warfare disruptions.

On March 27, 2026, Ukrainian drone expert Anatolijus Chrapčinskis addressed incidents where Ukrainian drones crossed into Baltic state airspace, resulting from Russian electronic warfare jamming that disrupts drone navigation. He clarified Ukraine's operational focus is exclusively against Russian targets and there is no threat to the Baltic countries. Chrapčinskis dismissed public suspicions that Baltic governments permit Ukraine to use their territories for strikes. Instead, Ukrainian drones operate solely from Russian soil to avoid using other countries' airspace. The expert highlighted that Russian Shahed drones have also violated Baltic airspace, underscoring a shared threat from Russia. He urged Baltic nations to enhance cooperation with Ukraine and develop a comprehensive European air defense system tailored to combat drone threats. Ukraine offers to share technologies and training on cost-effective drone countermeasures. Chrapčinskis called for unified strategic efforts against what he termed the 'axis of evil' comprising Russia and Iran, advocating proactive rather than merely concerned responses to emerging aerial threats.

Evidence

"The enemy actively uses electronic warfare measures to disrupt our drones, so it is understandable that drones may deviate from their course. However, our drones’ goal is Russian sites; there is no threat to the Baltic states." — Anatolijus Chrapčinskis
"Ukraine uses only Russian territory for drone operations, we do not use Belarusian territory. Our main goal is to develop drones capable of operating deep into enemy territory to bypass air defenses without using other countries' airspace." — Anatolijus Chrapčinskis
"Baltic countries should think about supporting Ukraine against the Russian threat, instead of only worrying about Ukrainian drones. Recently Russian drones have also crossed Baltic territory, so the threat is shared." — Anatolijus Chrapčinskis
"We need to unite efforts and build a comprehensive air defense system. Your radars do not detect drones because you lack sensors suited to detect such small targets." — Anatolijus Chrapčinskis
"Ukraine is open to cooperation, willing to share knowledge and manufacturing capabilities to protect airspace against drones." — Anatolijus Chrapčinskis

Classification

Confidence: High

The event is classified as aggressor signal due to ongoing Russian electronic warfare disrupting Ukrainian drones and Russian drones crossing Baltic airspace. It is also classified as defense prep because Ukraine urges development of joint European air defenses and offers cooperation to Baltic states.