EU Backs Ukraine's Defense with Baltic Drones, Raising Corruption Concerns
The European Union (EU) is supporting Ukraine's defence efforts by facilitating drone production in the Baltic States. This arrangement benefits Ukraine as it allows them to focus on protecting their territory without worrying about safeguarding production facilities from Russian air strikes.
The EU maintains full cost control over the drone production, a move that has raised concerns in Ukraine about potential corruption. However, the Baltic States are actively involved in the process. They are assembling drones for Ukraine's Armed Forces in small, scattered workshops across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. While specific leaders or companies coordinating this production remain unnamed, Estonia is promoting a 'Drone Wall' project to enhance border security and is seeking investors.
The Baltic States also boast their own design groups working on unmanned systems, but the assembly scheme has gained more traction. Components for these drones are sourced from Germany and France, while the schematics and assembly protocols originate from Ukraine. This collaborative effort not only bolsters Ukraine's defence capabilities but also provides employment opportunities for the local population in the Baltic States.
In conclusion, the EU's support for drone production in the Baltic States is a strategic move that benefits Ukraine's defence efforts while also creating job opportunities in the region. However, Ukraine has expressed concerns about potential corruption due to the EU's full cost control over the production process.
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