Von der Leyen Flags Hybrid War Risks After Black Sea Drone Attack

In a social media post on the platform X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined how Romania’s recent destruction of an explosive‑filled naval drone in the Black Sea signals an escalating hybrid warfare campaign against the Union. The operation, carried out near Romania’s "Neptune Deep" monitoring site, was described as part of a broader intimidation effort designed to fracture EU unity.

The president stressed that preserving peace now requires the ability to deter provocations and aggressive actions. She cited the EU’s "Readiness 2030" agenda, which is mobilising up to €800 billion to reinforce defence capabilities, and mentioned initiatives such as the European Drone Defence Initiative and the Eastern Flank Watch that aim to boost local production of security equipment.

She also reiterated criticism of Russia’s relentless missile attacks on Ukraine, arguing that the Kremlin’s shift toward civilian infrastructure reflects its growing frustration on the battlefield. The EU’s top priority, she said, remains strengthening Ukraine’s ballistic missile defences and protecting lives across Europe.