Estonia Backs Ukrainian Drone Strikes Despite 2 NATO Shootdowns as 60% of Russian Oil Exports Cross Baltic Route
Updated
Updated · Ukrainska Pravda · Jun 29
Estonia Backs Ukrainian Drone Strikes Despite 2 NATO Shootdowns as 60% of Russian Oil Exports Cross Baltic Route
3 articles · Updated · Ukrainska Pravda · Jun 29
Summary
Margus Tsahkna said Estonia accepts stray Ukrainian drones landing on NATO territory as the cost of strikes on Russian oil refineries and military bases.
Those deep strikes are hitting "Putin's lifeline," he said, arguing they have darkened the Kremlin's mood over the past 2.5 months by squeezing Russia economically.
NATO jets have already shot down 2 stray Ukrainian drones over Baltic states—first over Estonia, then Latvia—while dozens more have crashed or exited allied airspace in recent months.
Tsahkna dismissed Russian claims that Baltic states helped launch the attacks as "ridiculous" and said Moscow is especially worried because up to 60% of Russia's oil exports pass through the Gulf of Finland.
He said it is still too early to expect Putin to negotiate, warning the Russian leader is more likely to double down despite the pressure.
As stray drones enter NATO territory, what prevents a miscalculation from escalating the conflict with Russia?
With drones crippling its economy, can Russia's war machine sustain its offensive in the Donbas through 2026?
Is Ukraine's domestic drone revolution creating a new blueprint for warfare against larger military powers?
Ukraine’s Drone Offensive in March 2026: Strategic Strikes on Russian Oil Infrastructure and the Baltic Security Crisis
Overview
In March 2026, Ukraine sharply escalated its drone campaign by targeting Russia’s vital oil export infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, aiming to disrupt a key source of Russian revenue. Ukraine’s advanced long-range drones outpaced Russian defenses, causing operational paralysis and direct export disruptions. Notably, a major attack in the Leningrad region involved 38 drones and resulted in civilian injuries. Strikes on ports like Primorsk and Ust-Luga ignited fires, forcing temporary shutdowns and highlighting the immediate economic and human impact. This campaign demonstrates Ukraine’s growing technological edge and its strategic intent to weaken Russia’s financial and military capabilities.