EU chief warns Europe in 'hybrid warfare' with Russia: 'We must respond'

Europe has been issued a stark warning to protect its skies following a "pattern of growing threats" an EU cheif called "hybrid warfare".

President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said during a speech in European Parliament in Strasbourg: "Make no mistake. The recent incursions in our skies are part of a pattern of growing threats. It’s time to call it by its name. This is hybrid warfare." She urged Europe to get the capacity to respond and "protect our skies." Von der Leyen did not say Russia was responsible for all of the incidents, but added: "Russia wants to sow divison. We have to answer with unity."

Europe has been on high alert in recent weeks after a series of suspected Russian drone incursions over airspaces caused a number of airports to close down, with dozens of flights either diverted or cancelled. Nearly two dozen UAVs were flown into Poland last month, and several others have been spotted across northern Europe, including in Germany, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands.

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Moscow has consistently denied responsibility for these incidents, but a Russian shadow fleet tanker was recently detained by French authorities off the country's western coast amid claims Russia was launching disruptive drones from it. Putin said the seizure was simply done to distract France from its own political problems.

"Tackling Russia's hybrid war is not only about traditional defence," von der Leyen said. "This requires a new mind-set for all of us. We can either shy away and watch Russian threats escalate, or we meet them with unity, deterrence and resolve."

Denmark's prime minister Mette Frederiksen linked the drones to Moscow and called for a robust response. Last Thursday, drone sightings at Munich airport sparked the cancellation and diversion of dozens of flights, with almost 3,000 passengers left stranded on the evening of a national holiday. Politicians are now calling for a tougher response, including potentially shooting the devices down.

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