Von der Leyen Visits Baltics Amid Russian Threats; EU Condemns Diplomat Harassment

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen traveled to Vilnius to underscore Europe's unity and solidarity with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, responding to a new escalation from Moscow. "The message is clear: Europe is fully in solidarity and united with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and we want to intensify our support," von der Leyen stated during her meeting with leaders of the three former Soviet republics.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions following recent Russian attacks on civilians in Ukraine. Despite a Russian Foreign Ministry suggestion for foreign embassies to leave Kyiv, the European Union affirmed its commitment to keeping its representative, Katarina Mathernova, in the Ukrainian capital. The EU has summoned Russia's charge d'affaires to reject the threats against diplomats as "unacceptable."

Around 50 UN member states, including Italy, have also denounced Russia's actions. A European Commission spokesperson described the Russian raids as a "desperate" response and an attempt to "sow panic" by those facing difficulties on the battlefield and impacted by sanctions. The EU reiterated its continued presence and operations in Kyiv.

Former Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Dmitry Medvedev responded ironically, suggesting European diplomats were expendable. Moscow announced plans for further raids targeting "decision-making centers and command posts" in Ukraine, retaliating for a Ukrainian attack on a student dormitory in the Luhansk region. The increasing number of drone incidents, attributed to both sides using technology to divert drones, has unsettled the Baltic states, even contributing to the fall of the Latvian government over national defense capabilities.

Von der Leyen is proceeding with her "Readiness 2030" defense plan, emphasizing that these incidents are not isolated but part of a "clear strategy by Moscow to destabilize society." She also warned of intensified "hybrid and cyber attacks, foreign interference, and disinformation," highlighting the need for Europe to develop protocols for such situations. The current escalation makes the prospect of an EU envoy for peace negotiations, potentially involving figures like Mario Draghi or Angela Merkel, seem unlikely.

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The message is clear: Europe is fully in solidarity and united with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and we want to intensify our support.