Putin may open new front as Russia probs Europe with drones, Zelenskyy warns
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Kremlin is testing Europe's response with drone provocations and aims to weaken support for Kyiv. Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to open a new front even before the war in Ukraine ends, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a briefing with journalists.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine has already held consultations with several countries, but he declined to specify which ones. He assured that specialists in counter-drone operations will join a joint advisory group, and representatives from some countries will come to Ukraine for training.
Zelenskyy added that the actions of the Russian regime were not unexpected. Warnings had already been issued that Putin was preparing a new war.
"I thought it would happen sooner. I have spoken about this. The question is whether Putin will not wait for the war in Ukraine to end. He will open some other front. Nobody knows which one… Certainly, he wants this," Zelenskyy explained.
What Putin wants
According to Zelenskyy, Putin is testing Europe's defensive capabilities. The recent drone provocation against Poland showed that European countries cannot fully protect their skies from Russian drones — 19 drones reached Poland, but only four were shot down.
"We are at war; they are not. Nothing can be compared. We are ready to share the knowledge Ukraine has. What could happen next? You see Norway and Denmark. Signals came this morning from Sweden. And there are Romania, Poland, and the Baltic states. Putin is testing what Europeans have," the President said.
Manipulating public opinion
The Kremlin is also testing how societies in countries close to Ukraine will react. Moscow aims to influence citizens of other nations.
"And what about societies? How ready are they to continue openly supporting Ukraine? I believe this has an effect. In my view… Public opinion will not think about Ukraine protecting them. They will think about what we give to Ukrainians while we cannot protect ourselves," Zelenskyy said.
Reducing support
Zelenskyy explained that Russia hopes its provocations will reduce support for Ukraine, especially ahead of winter, when many countries are ready to provide air defense systems. The Kremlin will be disappointed to find that this approach does not work.
Drones cannot be intercepted with expensive missile systems, whose rockets cost millions of dollars. There are also not enough missiles. Most other air defense systems provided by European partners are built exclusively at Ukraine's request. Europe also actively funds the production of weapons and drones in Ukraine, and drone provocations will not change that.
"Here are two things our partners have done. These systems will not protect. They can protect infrastructure from missile strikes. But against the number of drones—100, 200, 300 — no system will suffice. One drone might be stopped, the next day there simply won't be missiles," Zelenskyy explained.
Ukraine's role
This is why Europe now needs the knowledge Ukraine possesses: mobile fire units, drone interception operators, Air Force experience, and more.
"These skills are important. These systems are very important. Defense systems, different drone lines. These things are very important. And we are ready to help," the President concluded.
On September 27, European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius announced that the European Union will build a three-layer defense system on its eastern flank against Russia, including three "walls" — maritime, drone, and ground.
On the same day, Ukraine's Minister of Defense Shmyhal confirmed that Kyiv is ready to participate in the European defense project to create a Drone Wall. A joint declaration on participation could be signed as early as October.
