Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for Poland and other European nations to join forces with Kyiv in building a “truly reliable shield” against Russian aerial threats, following a series of drone incursions across NATO airspace.
Speaking at a security forum in Warsaw, Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s military had the experience and capability to help counter all types of Russian drones and missiles, and argued that limiting Moscow’s ability to strike from the skies would severely weaken its war effort. He suggested that some of the drones disrupting European airspace may have been launched from tankers operating in the Baltic Sea.
“If tankers used by Russia are serving as drone platforms, then such tankers should not be free to operate in the Baltic,” Zelenskyy warned, adding that European countries had the right to close straits and sea routes if necessary.
Poland, Romania and Denmark have each reported drone incursions in recent weeks. Danish authorities have closed airports on several occasions, including Copenhagen airport, after drones were observed over civilian and military sites. While Copenhagen has not been able to conclusively identify the source, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Russia posed the primary threat to Europe’s security.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the scale of incursions as “a war of new type” that required recognition from “the entire western, transatlantic community.”
The incidents have highlighted vulnerabilities in NATO’s ability to respond quickly to hostile drone activity. While Ukraine says it intercepts more than 90 percent of incoming drones with a mix of air defenses, jet patrols and jamming, European countries have struggled to neutralize incursions.
In response, the UK, France, Germany and Sweden announced on Monday they would provide additional security support to Denmark during two European summits in Copenhagen this week. Britain is sending a counter-drone system, Germany will deploy 40 soldiers, France will send 35 troops and a military helicopter and Sweden will contribute radars, a counter-drone system and additional police.
Meanwhile, Romania reported fresh drone fragments near Tulcea, close to the Ukrainian border, highlighting the spillover risk from Moscow’s sustained campaign of drone and missile attacks.
Ukraine itself continues to face nightly barrages. Over the weekend, its air force said it neutralized 566 out of 593 drones launched by Russia during a 12-hour assault.
Zelenskyy argued that European nations could benefit directly from Ukraine’s battle-tested air defense experience:
“If Russia loses the ability to strike in the skies, it will be unable to continue the war,” he told the Warsaw forum.
RELATED CONTENT: 5 ways NATO is preparing to meet the drone threat
Post Image Credit: Website of the President of Ukraine
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