The Bundestag called on NATO to shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine - what is known

What happened

The head of the Bundestag's defence committee, Thomas Röhwerkamp, said that NATO should act more decisively against Russia's massive attacks and shoot down drones over Ukraine; at the same time, it should increase support for Kyiv with the means to strike Russian targets.

Details of the application

• According to Rövekamp, NATO's air defence should expand its capabilities to counter massive drone attacks.
• The best way to combat UAVs is to destroy Russia's production facilities and launchers; partners should quickly equip Ukraine to strike such targets.
• Coordination within the Alliance is needed: with Ukraine's consent, it should be possible to neutralise drones that threaten NATO territory, even in its airspace.

Context.

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on the West to create a no-fly zone or shoot down drones, but key NATO powers, including Germany and the United States, have rejected this because of the risk of direct involvement in war.
• Against the backdrop of recent Russian attacks, dozens of drones have been reported to have violated Polish airspace and their wreckage has been found.
• German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius avoided a direct response to the downing of Russian UAVs over Ukraine.

Why it matters

• The proposal reinforces the concept of integrated air defence of Ukraine and NATO neighbours.
• Politically, it is a test of the limits of Alliance engagement and Berlin's willingness to expand assistance.
• In practice, this could mean faster provision of weapons and additional air defence systems.

What's next

A discussion within NATO is expected on the legal and operational mechanisms for engaging in drone neutralisation and further steps by Germany to strengthen its support for Ukraine.