Ukrainian drones hijacked, steered towards Europe

Ukrainian drones are being hijacked in mid-air over Russia and Belarus and redirected towards NATO countries, according to reports. These operations utilize powerful transmitters near the Baltic Sea, causing significant disruptions and security concerns.

The hijacking tactic involves Russia using signals on the same frequencies as Ukrainian drones. When the drones are over Belarusian or Russian airspace, their signals are jammed. Once reconnected, Russian forces can take control by sending new signals, redirecting the drones towards NATO neighbors like Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland.

These incidents have led to serious security alerts. On May 20, air raid sirens sounded in Lithuania, and NATO air policing was activated. Ministers were moved to underground bunkers, public transport halted, and citizens were told to seek shelter. This marked the first evacuation in a NATO capital since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

Keir Giles, a researcher at Chatham House, notes that Russia has "no reason to stop this, because it does not lead to any consequences for Moscow, and the return on the effort they put in is enormous." The operations are reportedly being conducted on a large scale, with a powerful transmitter in Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania, playing a crucial role. Its signals can disrupt navigation systems across a large portion of Baltic airspace.

Beyond the immediate security threat, these hijacked drones are also part of Russia's propaganda efforts. Following a drone crash in Latvia in mid-May, the Kremlin falsely claimed that Latvia was planning to allow Ukrainian attacks from its airspace. Both Latvian and Ukrainian governments have dismissed these accusations. Russia has also threatened retaliation, citing NATO membership as a factor.

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There is no reason for Russia to stop this, because it does not lead to any consequences for Moscow, and the return on the effort they put in is enormous.