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ConflictsUkraine

What to make of Ukrainian drones in NATO airspace

07:13

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Phil Gayle | Teri Schultz
May 19, 2026

A Ukrainian drone that entered Estonian airspace is thought to have been targeting Russian positions, Estonia's Defense Minister says. NATO plays down Ukrainian drone incidents, but is there concern behind the scenes?

A NATO warplane shot down a Ukrainian drone after it entered Estonian airspace. Ukraine blamed Russia for taking control of the drone, as well as others, and redirecting them toward NATO members.

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said Estonia had not granted its airspace to Ukrainian air forces, nor had Ukraine requested access.

Countries bordering Ukraine believe Russia is using electronic warfare to reprogram Ukrainian drones and send them into NATO airspace in an effort to divide the alliance, according to DW Brussels correspondent Teri Schultz.

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