Belga Share – Von der Leyen condemns Russian “pattern of aggression and provocation” against Europe

In her message on X, she refers to the warning shots fired by a Russian warship “dangerously close to a Danish helicopter”, and to a drone shot down over Lithuania by NATO fighter jets.

“Europe was once again confronted with reckless and dangerous Russian behaviour,” she writes. “These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression and provocation against Europe, testing our readiness and resolve.”

However, she also emphasises that European resolve is only growing stronger. “We are strengthening our collective deterrence and defence, together with NATO. And we are increasing pressure on Russia,” she concludes.

On Monday/yesterday, several European leaders at a summit on the Arctic in Finland also warned of increasing Russian aggression, after a train on the Kyiv-Warsaw route was hit by a Russian drone near the Polish border on Sunday.

The High Representative for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated that Russia aims to instil fear among Ukraine’s allies with such provocations. “But we must show that we are not afraid and that we stand with Ukraine,” she said.

The European Commission already emphasised on Monday that “every threat must be taken very seriously” and expressed solidarity with the member states involved.

The initial translation of this content was generated by AI. All facts, context, and language have subsequently been verified and validated by a human editorial team.
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