Von der Leyen says Russian airspace violations are hybrid warfare against the EU
European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the numerous violations of European Union airspace are a hybrid war aimed at dividing the EU and weakening support for Ukraine.
"Make no mistake. The recent incursions in our skies are part of a pattern of growing threats.It’s time to call it by its name. This is hybrid warfare. Europe must get the capacity to respond and protect our skies. Work has begun, " von der Leyen said in a speech to the European Parliament on Wednesday.
She directly called Russia the initiator of such a campaign, saying that Russia wants to sow discord.
The President of the European Commission announced a significant increase in EU defense spending to EUR 800 billion as part of the "Readiness 2030" strategy, the roadmap for which the EC will soon present. Von der Leyen also mentioned such component projects as the "Drone Wall."
Von der Leyen said Europe needs a system that is accessible and usable for rapid detection, rapid interception and, if necessary, rapid neutralization (of airborne threats), noting that Europe has something to learn from Ukraine, both in terms of capabilities and, more importantly, in terms of their ecosystem of rapid innovation.
