Von der Leyen
European Union
Statement summary
Von der Leyen warns Russian aggression tests European readiness and resolve
Von der Leyen warns Russian aggression tests European readiness and resolve and pledges to reinforce collective deterrence and defense.
Source excerpt
Once again, Europe woke up to reckless and dangerous Russian behaviour. A Russian warship fired emergency flares dangerously close to a Danish helicopter. A drone entered Lithuanian airspace before being destroyed by NATO fighter jets. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression and provocation against Europe, testing our readiness and our resolve. Russia will find our resolve only growing stronger. We are reinforcing our collective deterrence and defence, together with NATO. And we are stepping up the pressure on Russia.