Ukrainian drones that have penetrated the airspace of the Baltic countries are amplifying tensions on NATO's eastern flank (Reuters)

Ukrainian drones with long range, used for attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, have violated the airspace of the Baltic states in recent weeks, fueling tensions on NATO's eastern flank with Russia, at a time when the United States' commitment to the collective security of the Alliance is in question, reports Reuters.

Ukraine and the Baltic states claim that Russia is deliberately redirecting Ukrainian drones towards NATO territory

These incursions are part of Ukraine's efforts to strike Russia, targeting ports in the Baltic Sea.

Although Kyiv and the Baltic states have confirmed that the drones are Ukrainian, they accuse Russia of using electronic warfare systems to divert their trajectories.

That Skaisgiryte, the foreign policy advisor to the President of Lithuania, stated that it is possible for Russia to deliberately redirect the drones to fly into neighboring states. Ukraine even claims to have intelligence information supporting this hypothesis.

The head of the Latvian government, Evika Silina, was forced to resign after she dismissed her defense minister, accusing him of deficiencies in the country's air protection.

Russia has its own accusations against the Baltic states

Russia claims that the Baltic states allow Ukraine to launch attacks from their airspace, an accusation denied by them.

"They cling desperately to any opportunity to divide the Western world and to put more pressure on Ukraine, so that it no longer launches such attacks," said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in a phone interview.

Investigation in Ukraine regarding the drones that strayed into the airspace of the Baltic states

On the other hand, a high-ranking Swedish military source stated that Ukraine is deliberately using its drones near the border with Russia in the Baltic area, using them as a kind of shield, knowing that Russia would not want to fire into NATO territory and risk a direct confrontation.

Most drones have not caused damage, but recent incidents, including the downing of a drone by a NATO aircraft, have raised the alarm level.

Estonian and Lithuanian officials have urged Ukraine to better control the drones, while a Ukrainian investigation is underway to determine how Russia influences their flights.

Tensions remain high, and the risks of accidental escalation are significant.