EU Proposes Drone Wall to Monitor Russian Tankers
The European Commission has proposed creating a drone wall along the EU’s eastern borders to monitor Russian tankers and protect against potential threats from the Kremlin’s illegal oil trade. According to a statement from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the drone wall will be used to respond to natural disasters, combat international organized crime, and monitor weaponized migration.
The proposal emerged after repeated violations of EU airspace by drones, which has raised concerns about the potential for Russian military drones to gather intelligence or even conduct attacks on European soil. Von der Leyen emphasized that the drone wall is a response to modern warfare realities, stating, “From responding to natural disasters to combating international organized crime. From monitoring weaponized migration to controlling the Russian shadow fleet.”
Drone Wall Details Emerge
The European Commission is proposing to create a “shield” consisting of radars and interceptor missiles to detect and intercept potential threats from Russian drones. The project has gained support from seven EU countries, Ukraine, and the European Commission itself. However, not everyone in Europe is ready to back the drone wall project.
There are disagreements regarding funding, feasibility, and even the project’s name. Countries located farther from Russia are somewhat reluctant to back a project that will cost over €1 billion. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that “there is no perfect wall for Europe,” given that the border stretches for about 3,000 kilometers. Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius said that the term “wall” could be misleading.
Russian Tankers Pose Environmental Threat
Although sanctions have not stopped Russia’s oil trade, the Kremlin’s illegal tankers also pose a threat to Europe’s security. This concerns the dumping of large quantities of oil near EU coastlines, which could lead to an environmental disaster. The EU has already taken measures to monitor and respond to such incidents, but the proposed drone wall aims to enhance these efforts.
The Russian shadow fleet, which is estimated to be around 600 vessels strong, continues to pose a significant threat to European security. The EU’s proposal to create a drone wall is seen as a crucial step in addressing this issue and protecting its borders from potential threats.
Original Article: EU proposes using drone wall to monitor Russian tankers — Rbc