Drone incursions and threats in NATO territory are no longer a novelty. They are part of a "broader pattern of Russian aggression and provocation against Europe" that puts the continent's "preparedness" and "determination" to the test. This was stated by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, after NATO fighter jets shot down a drone launched from Belarus within Lithuanian airspace early this morning. The unmanned aerial vehicle triggered alarms in the capital, Vilnius; meanwhile, Poland has activated its air forces as a preventive measure after recovering what it believes to be a Russian drone in the Baltic. "We are strengthening our collective deterrence and defense, together with NATO. And we are increasing pressure on Russia," the German leader affirmed.