Zelenskyy reveals Russia’s reasons for violating NATO airspace

Responding to recent airspace violations, Zelenskyy explained that "Russia is testing how far it can go." He also warned of escalating tensions in Georgia and Belarus.

"That is why we cannot afford to lose a single day or a single country. After Moldova’s election, we must keep supporting Moldova. The hardest task is to meet voters’ expectations," Zelenskyy said.

He added that while Europe today is focusing on immediate threats, long-term political goals must not be forgotten.

The President recalled the recent intrusion of Russian drones into Poland and Russian planes violating Estonian airspace, emphasizing that it was "a test not only for Poland, but for all of NATO."

Zelenskyy also stated that Russia used tankers in the Baltic Sea to launch drones, causing "major disruption in northern Europe."

According to him, such actions are unacceptable, and Russia "should not be free to operate in the Baltic."

Zelenskyy said that Russia wants NATO "to react but only partially, without the US, so a united voice is desirable here."

In response to a BBC journalist’s question about a possible Russian attack on other European countries, Zelenskyy said, "It’s difficult to say. You saw that with Estonia, Poland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, there were certain signals."

He added that there is a broad trend of repeated airspace and border violations, which "must get a reaction."

The President also emphasized the need to protect former Soviet countries and regions where Russia is losing influence, including Kazakhstan.

"I cannot say what’s there on Putin’s mind, which is why I’m saying that we must be prepared to defend ourselves and to look where Putin could go," Zelenskyy concluded.

Russia’s provocations

Previously, three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes.

The incident came a few weeks after Russian drones violated the airspace of Poland and Romania, and military drones also crossed into Lithuania from Belarus in July.