Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning to Europe, emphasizing that the ongoing war initiated by Russia is not limited to Ukraine but poses a threat to the entire continent. Speaking in the aftermath of a recent Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace, Zelensky stated, “It is Putin alone who is interested in these killings. Every day, this war remains solely his war – the war of Russia alone. And we expect the world to draw conclusions from this.”
The drone attack, which occurred on September 9, marked a significant escalation, with approximately 21 Russian drones entering Polish airspace. While none were armed, the incident was viewed as a deliberate provocation by Moscow, testing NATO’s response capabilities. Polish officials confirmed that several drones were shot down, with the majority intercepted by Dutch F-35 aircraft. The attack prompted Poland to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty, leading to the activation of Operation Eastern Sentry—a NATO mission aimed at bolstering air defenses along the alliance’s eastern flank.
Zelensky further emphasized the broader implications of Russia’s actions, stating, “And it is crucial that Europe truly understands: when it comes to Russia, it is not about one neighbor or another – it is about everyone. Otherwise, Russia will draw its own conclusions and will only expand the war, and not necessarily against Ukraine alone.” His remarks underscore the interconnectedness of European security and the need for a unified response to Russian aggression.
In response to the escalating threat, the European Union has initiated a €6 billion “drone alliance” with Ukraine, focusing on developing and deploying cost-effective air defense technologies. This collaboration aims to enhance the region’s ability to detect and neutralize drone threats, particularly along the eastern borders.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the final day of joint military exercises with Belarus, where he claimed that 100,000 troops participated. The drills included simulations of tactical nuclear launches and tests of Russia’s hypersonic Oreshnik missile, signaling Moscow’s continued military assertiveness.
As tensions mount, Zelensky’s call for European solidarity and proactive defense measures becomes increasingly urgent. The recent drone incursion serves as a stark reminder that the conflict initiated by Russia is not confined to Ukraine and that the security of all European nations is at stake.
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