Putin using drones to test Europe’s readiness to respond - Zelenskyy
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russia is using drones to test European countries’ readiness to respond to threats and to assess their vulnerabilities. Such actions signal that the aggressor seeks to gain political and economic benefits while no one is applying sufficient pressure, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the President of Ukraine, it is not Europe that is at war with Russia — the war is being waged by Russia against Ukraine and, hypothetically, against many European countries.
"Europe fears the word 'escalation.' Europeans always assume that any steps they take — since they are developed states with respect for law and values — will be seen as escalation," the Ukrainian leader said.
He added that Russia perceives weakness as an opportunity to push its own narratives and cause damage.
"I believe the opposite: Russia does not like weakness. Any intellectual responses — which is exactly the kind Europe provides — are seen as a weakness by Russia. Weakness gives that distinct Russian taste. The Russians sense this weakness and want, while no one has gathered the strength to apply pressure, to cause harm and gain additional benefits for themselves," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Regarding Ukraine, he said, the aggressor aims to halt the country’s development, destroy its identity, and seize territory. In terms of energy, Russia seeks to keep Eastern European countries and Germany on a constant “energy hook.”
The president added that drones violating European airspace are tests by Russian President Vladimir Putin to gauge reactions.
"Violations of European airspace in different countries by drones — these are all tests. Tests of Europe, tests of their response. All of Putin’s drone attacks are tests of what they are capable of. Tests to see how America will react to the current threat to European countries in NATO. There is no smoke without fire, and I consider all these tests dangerous for Europe’s integrity," he concluded.
Drones paralyze European airports
Recently, drones have been repeatedly spotted over Brussels and Liège airports, causing significant disruptions to air traffic.
Belgian Army Chief of Staff Frederik Vansina ordered soldiers to shoot down suspicious drones, but only when it could be done safely to avoid collateral damage.
Similar incidents have also been recorded in Sweden, where airports temporarily suspended operations due to drone appearances.
In Germany, there are already speculations about a possible connection between the drone activity and discussions on using frozen Russian assets in the Belgian financial institution Euroclear to fund loans to Ukraine.
It is known that even on November 9, three drones were spotted over the Doel nuclear power plant in Belgium.
