Military and police are responding after drones violated the airspace of Latvia and Estonia, with one striking a power plant in Estonia on Wednesday.
Drone Incursions into Latvia and Estonia
Military and police forces are currently on site following drone breaches of Latvian and Estonian airspace. Authorities have reported no immediate threat to civilian safety or Latvian airspace.
Latvian Army General Egils Leszczinskis stated that the origin and manufacturer of the drones remain unidentified. Earlier, another object originating from Belarus briefly entered Latvian airspace before crossing into Russian airspace.
General Leszczinskis believes the incidents were not coordinated, suggesting both drones deviated from their intended paths and entered restricted areas, according to LETA.
Estonian Power Plant Struck
On Wednesday, a drone originating from Russia entered Estonian airspace and impacted a power plant in Auvere, northeastern Estonia. No injuries occurred, and the plant sustained only minor damage, with no significant impact on the national energy system.
Emergency services, including bomb disposal units, were dispatched to the scene, and the Estonian Prosecutor General’s Office has launched an investigation.
Investigation Links Incident to Ukraine War
Prosecutor General Astrid Asi indicated the drone was not intentionally targeted at Estonia and the incident is linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The strike coincided with Ukrainian drone attacks on the Russian port of Ust-Luga, approximately 50 kilometers from the Estonian border.
Justice Minister Liisa Pakosta announced an emergency government meeting to discuss the incident.
Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Ports
Overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, Ukrainian drones attacked the port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region, the largest cargo port on the Baltic Sea. Former Ukrainian Interior Minister Anton Herashchenko reported 56 drones were intercepted over the Leningrad region.
Attacks also targeted the port of Vyborg, damaging the Arctic patrol vessel “Dzerzhinsky,” intended for the Federal Security Service. Ukraine has also recently attacked the port of Primorsk.
