"We Are Taught By Ukrainians, Not The Other Way Around."
- 23.09.2025, 15:43
Ukraine is a security guarantor for the eastern flank of the EU and the Alliance.
The issue of Ukraine's membership in NATO has not been taken off the agenda, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kjastutis Budrys has said. He noted that Ukraine is already a security guarantor for the eastern flank of the EU and the alliance to a certain extent. Meanwhile, the EU started talking about the creation of a "wall of drones", which would protect Europe from further Russian attacks. More details - in the material FREEDOM.
In practice, we can already talk about de facto smooth integration of Ukraine into NATO, said the head of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry. In particular, thanks to the acquired Ukrainian experience in the fight against Russian aggression, skills and technologies.
Budris noted the importance of cooperation with Ukraine also in the issue of strengthening air defense. Especially after the intrusion of Russian drones into the airspace of Poland, Romania and Lithuania.
"The threats are very clear, especially after what happened in Poland, Romania, earlier and in Lithuania, when Russian drones flew into our airspace. Hence, we need an effective and adequate air defense to counter drones and other threats. And we know where to get all the knowledge - in Ukraine. This will integrate us not only at the level of the defense industry, but also politically and at the level of state policies," the Lithuanian Foreign Minister said.
In the meantime, on September 26, at the initiative of European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius, a meeting of the European Union on the implementation of the "Drone Wall" project will be held. Seven EU member states - Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine - have been invited to participate. Representatives of Slovakia and Hungary were not invited.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier that such an initiative was necessary to protect against threats from Russia after incidents in Romania and Poland. The European Commission emphasized that the discussion is in its initial stages.
"This is a concrete follow-up to President von der Leyen's statement in her State of the Union address on the need for such a 'drone wall', as recent attacks and incursions have already demonstrated this in Romania and Poland. We will then decide together with member states and Ukraine on possible further steps," said Thomas Renier, the European Commission's representative for technical sovereignty and defense.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said his country was ready to take any decision aimed at destroying objects that could pose a threat.
- For example, Russian fighter jets if they violate our borders. For example, if they fly over our territorial waters. I won't go into details...all allies will treat it exactly the same way we do," Tusk emphasized.
The Financial Times reported earlier that to create a "drone wall," Brussels urged member capitals to use EU funds and jointly purchase systems that have worked well in Ukraine.
Ukrainian technology companies have already developed a nationwide system of acoustic sensors that can identify drones by sound signal. Since standard radars are unable to detect Shaheds flying at low altitude.
"In air defense, we have a lot to learn about drones, drone defense systems, including what types of missiles are used and where. So I am sure that many European states, including Finland, will cooperate closely on drones. But on this side, now, as far as I am concerned, we are being taught by the Ukrainians, not the other way around," said Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Ukraine already has proposals for partners to export maritime drones, said President Vladimir Zelensky.
- There are first proposals to partners to export Ukrainian modern weapons. It will be a controlled export of our weapons, including marine drones. Safety of sea routes is an integral component of universal security and it depends on many nations. Ukraine offers all its partners our developments that helped us ourselves in the Black Sea," the Ukrainian head of state said.
Kiev will present a strategy for partial arms exports within two weeks and is considering the United States, Europe and other countries as potential buyers. Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that the program will allow Ukraine to increase production and provide funding for the production of drones for its own defense as well.