Andrius Kubilius, the EU Defense and Space Commissioner, has issued a stark warning: Europe remains dangerously unprepared to counter potential Russian drone attacks, despite a clear increase in provocations. His remarks, reported by The Moscow Times on November 17, 2025, highlight a critical vulnerability in the continent’s defense capabilities.
Kubilius emphasized the urgent need to integrate Ukraine’s “battle-tested” capabilities, refined over two years of relentless defense against Russian aggression. He expressed dismay that it took “more than two years” and direct “Russian provocation with drones against Poland, and also against Baltic States and Romania,” for Europe to acknowledge its significant shortcomings in effectively detecting and neutralizing Russian drones.
Escalating Drone Incidents Expose European Weaknesses
The Commissioner’s concerns are not theoretical. In September, NATO jets intercepted several Russian drones over Poland, an incident that starkly exposed considerable gaps in European airspace defense. This incursion led to an unfortunate situation where a Polish missile reportedly struck a home. Similar drone activities have prompted reactive measures across the continent; for instance, Germany deployed experts to Belgium following a surge in drone incidents near sensitive sites, as detailed in a Cyberwarzone report.
Adding to the apprehension, European intelligence agencies share Kubilius’s fears, cautioning that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be contemplating an attack on a NATO member within the coming years. Such intelligence underscores the strategic imperative for robust and meticulously coordinated defense mechanisms across the bloc.
Ukraine’s Vital Lessons and Europe’s Slow Response
While the 27-nation European Union is actively working to enhance its air defense systems and develop a unified European drone defense network, these crucial initiatives are projected to take years to implement fully. Ukraine’s ongoing struggle offers invaluable lessons, particularly its urgent pleas to Washington for additional Patriot missile systems to combat Russia’s sustained targeting of critical infrastructure. A related Cyberwarzone article highlighted Kyiv’s intensified requests for these vital defense assets.
The threat landscape extends beyond conventional military engagements. Ukrainian officials have accused entities like Rosatom of coordinating strikes on nuclear plant substations, revealing a sophisticated and highly targeted approach to critical infrastructure. This complex and evolving threat environment, further explored in another Cyberwarzone report, necessitates a comprehensive and immediate European response.
The discovery of possible Russian drone fragments in Romania, following strikes on Ukrainian ports, further illustrates the direct geographical impact of Russia’s drone activities on NATO territory. This incident, reported by Cyberwarzone, serves as a tangible and alarming reminder of the permeable nature of borders in modern warfare.
Kubilius succinctly summarized the precarious situation: “The Russians are learning. Are we?” He warned that a failure to integrate Ukraine’s hard-won experience would constitute “a historical mistake, which shall leave us weaker. And which shall leave Ukraine weaker.” Europe now faces a critical juncture, needing to accelerate its defense readiness to effectively counter the evolving Russian drone threats and safeguard its sovereignty and security.