The crash of a Russian drone in Romania is a hybrid attack on NATO. The EU is preparing its 21st package of sanctions. The Drone Deal between Ukraine and Lithuania. Analysis by Mykhailo Pashkov.
Key topics for discussion:
- The incident with a Russian drone in Romania points to the intensification of the Russian hybrid expansion in Europe, started last September.
- East European countries have repeatedly appealed to Article 4 of the Washington Treaty (consultations), but the aggressor continues to violently test NATO's defence capabilities.
- On May 13, the Presidents of Lithuania and Ukraine signed a Drone Deal in Bucharest — a mechanism of critical relevance.
- NATO needs to step up joint border protection efforts, including enhanced air defence and coordination with Ukraine.
- The EU is preparing its 21st package of sanctions targeting the Russian defence industry and energy sector, and grants a new loan tranche to Ukraine.
- The EU common position on the upcoming negotiation process has not yet been finalized, but the fundamental decision to participate has already been made.
