NATO parliamentary chief says Russia responsible for drone incursions

VILNIUS - NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Marcos Perestrello said Russia bears full responsibility for recent combat drone incursions into the alliance’s eastern member states.

"Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues alongside its irresponsible behavior and destabilization campaigns across the Alliance. We have seen this most clearly in the recent drone incursions in Lithuania and, a few days ago, in Romania," Perestrello told a plenary session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s spring session at the Seimas on Monday.

He said the incidents are a direct consequence of Russia's war against Ukraine, and that regardless of whether they result from intentional actions, military activity near allied borders or other side effects, responsibility remains with Moscow.

According to Perestrello, the response must be clear: strong solidarity, a firm commitment to collective defense, and the continuous strengthening of NATO's deterrence and defense posture, particularly on the eastern flank.

Last week, a Russian drone struck an apartment building in Romania. Unmanned aerial vehicles have also recently entered the territories of the Baltic states.

Ahead of the Alliance’s summit in Ankara, Perestrello highlighted four priority areas: increased investment in defense and military capabilities, a stronger European role within NATO and fairer burden-sharing, enhancing societal resilience and continued support for Ukraine.

Perestrello said that in a changing world, it is vital to keep NATO stronger than ever before, noting that the Parliamentary Assembly contributes significantly to this goal.

"Declarations do not defend territory. Budgets do not approve themselves. Capabilities do not appear just because leaders announce them. This requires political courage. It requires legislative action. It requires public support, and that is where we come in," the Assembly president said.

"NATO is united. NATO is adapting. NATO will defend every inch of allied territory, and this assembly will help ensure that commitments turn into capabilities, solidarity into strength and resolve into action," he said.

The spring session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is taking place at the Seimas in Vilnius on Monday.