Britain strengthens Belgium's defense after repeated drone incursions

Commander of the British Armed Forces Richard Knighton stated that the Belgian side requested assistance from London after a wave of drones forced temporary airport closures, flight rerouting, and suspension of air traffic.

Equipment and personnel are already en route to Belgium. The UK has not yet disclosed what specific equipment is being sent or how many service members are involved.

Knighton also noted that it is still unknown who is behind these drone flights. However, he recalled that Russia has actively employed elements of "hybrid warfare" in recent years, although Moscow traditionally denies any involvement.

Drones paralyze operations at European airports

Over the past week, drones have repeatedly been spotted over Brussels and Liège airports, causing major air traffic disruptions.

Chief of the Belgian Army General Staff Frédéric Vansina has ordered troops to shoot down suspicious drones, but only safely — that is, "without any collateral damage."

Similar incidents have also been recorded in Sweden, where airports were temporarily shut down.

In Germany, authorities are already considering a possible link between the drone activity and discussions surrounding the use of frozen Russian assets held by the Belgian financial institution Euroclear to fund a loan for Ukraine.

Russian assets

It should be recalled that Ukraine's international partners have long been seeking ways to cover the state budget deficit for 2025.

One of the options being considered is the creation of a so-called "reparations loan," which would allow frozen Russian assets to be directed for Ukraine's benefit.

At the same time, delays in decision-making do not pose critical risks for the state, as financial needs for the current year have already been met.

It is also known that the European Commission is currently preparing a new funding plan for Ukraine.