France's President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Europe needs to adopt a more forceful strategy regarding Russia by downing drones that enter European airspace and inspecting vessels in the shadow fleet that illegally transport oil, thereby cutting off funding for Moscow's military efforts.
At a European conference in Copenhagen, Macron and other European officials urged for additional sanctions on Russia, particularly focusing on its energy industry, and highlighted that Ukraine is at the forefront of an expanding hybrid conflict against Europe.
Some of Europe's leaders have shown a more rigid stance on ongoing drone attacks, acts of sabotage, cyberattacks, and efforts to bypass sanctions during two days of discussions in Copenhagen, including a private meeting where they were without phones or advisors.
President Macron asked the over 40 leaders attending the European Political Community summit to safeguard their own interests without revealing their plans to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I believe the primary response should involve greater unpredictability and more strategic uncertainty," he stated.
It is crucial to convey a clear message: drones that breach our territories are taking a significant risk. They can be destroyed, without any further discussion," he stated. "We are not here to issue a complete warning. We will take the necessary actions.
Macron highlighted a move by French officials to intercept an oil tanker listed on the European Union's shadow fleet sanctions list and hold two of its crew members, presenting it as a successful method of action.
Naval specialists think the vessel could have served as a base for drone operations above military sites and airports in Denmark.
Macron said that Russia finances "30 to 40% of the war effort" via this shadow fleet of aging tankers of obscure ownership.
Macron stated that by taking control of the vessels for a week or two, "we completely disrupt the organization's effectiveness. Therefore, the shadow fleet is an excellent target if you aim to enhance our efficiency and decrease these capabilities."
He mentioned that the same vessel was inspected by Estonian officials in March.
Frederiksen claims that Russia poses a danger to everyone.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who organized the summit following a series of drone incidents at Denmark's airports and military facilities, stated: "It should be evident to all now, Russia will not cease until they are compelled to."
She mentioned that Russia is "a threat not only to Ukraine but to everyone. Today, our main objective is clear. We must strengthen our shared Europe to the point where a war against us is inconceivable, and we need to accomplish this immediately."
Frederiksen cautioned her allies that Europe "can no longer remain innocent. The conflict was never solely concerning Ukraine. It is about Europe. Every nation, every citizen, our principles, and our liberty."
Following the meeting, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, "Putin must not dismiss our resolve. There is indeed a significant unity and a strong commitment to stand against this aggression collectively, and for that I am deeply thankful."
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on leaders to discard any "illusions" they may hold regarding Russia's goals. He mentioned that Poland has consistently been a target of Russian pressure, particularly highlighted by a significant drone breach last month.
This invasion led Warsaw to invoke Article 4 of the NATO agreement to facilitate discussions with partner nations.
Since that time, Poland has pledged to destroy Russian drones that penetrate its airspace.
"The first illusion remains that there is no war," Tusk stated, highlighting those who describe the conflict in Ukraine as a 'full-scale aggression' or employ alternative euphemisms.
No. It is warfare. A new form of conflict. Highly intricate, yet it remains war.
Another misconception, Tusk stated, is "that Ukraine and all of us cannot win this war. That's ridiculous. The sole Russian advantage, the only one, is their mindset. We are far greater than them," in terms of economic power and population, he mentioned.
Tusk, whose nation shares boundaries with Belarus and Ukraine, stated: "We are aware that if they triumph over Ukraine, it will also mark the end of my country and of Europe in the future. I have no uncertainties."
Economic pressure
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to increase economic pressure on Putin.
"The economic pressure is making a difference, and we must keep it up. Applying more sanctions, especially targeting energy and the shadow fleet," Starmer stated before departing the summit early to go back to the UK following a terrorist incident near a synagogue in Manchester that resulted in two fatalities.
It is also crucial to place "Ukraine in the most powerful position possible," which entails increasing air defense systems, longer-range (missiles), and anti-drone capabilities that should be delivered to the nation, which is now in its fourth year of conflict, he mentioned.
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