Zelenskyy Warns of High Risk of Russian Attacks on European Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia could extend its aggression beyond Ukraine, citing an increased risk of attacks on neighboring European countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning, stating that the risk of Russia launching drone, missile, or land attacks against other European countries is "very high." Zelenskyy expressed these concerns following a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
"That's why the risk of offensive by drones, missiles or land operation is very high against other countries who are bordering Russia or Belarus," Zelenskyy told Fox News Digital. He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin, unable to achieve decisive military objectives in Ukraine, might seek to destabilize other parts of Europe to erode international support for Kyiv.
Zelenskyy suggested that Putin's strategy could involve creating external conflicts to divide European unity and pressure governments to cease aid to Ukraine. He pointed to recent drone incursions and disruptions affecting several European nations as evidence of Moscow's efforts to intimidate and test European responses.
"How to divide unanimity in Europe? ... To attack somebody else. To attack and say, look, I will go further if you will not stop this," Zelenskyy explained. He emphasized that a failure to respond decisively to Russian aggression could embolden Moscow to expand its actions further.
European leaders have echoed these concerns. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on September 14 that peace in Europe is under threat due to increasing Russian hybrid attacks. This statement followed an incident on August 4 where German authorities attributed an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Russia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also issued a warning on September 17 about potential Russian drone or missile attacks targeting NATO countries supporting Ukraine.
The heightened tensions are underscored by recent airspace violations. On September 8, a drone entered Romanian airspace before crashing in Moldova. Later, Italian fighter jets under NATO's command shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace, believed to have originated from Belarus.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs told The Guardian on September 18 that Europe and NATO are struggling to adapt to advancements in drone warfare, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in air and missile defenses.
During his meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy also discussed Ukraine's need for additional Patriot air defense missiles ahead of winter and explored the possibility of a mutual halt to attacks on energy infrastructure. While Trump reportedly expressed willingness to assist with air defense capabilities, no specific commitments on immediate missile deliveries were announced. Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine is prepared to halt energy infrastructure strikes but was uncertain about Russia's willingness to reciprocate.