Zelenskyy: Two years ago we asked to shoot down drones over Ukraine; today, that is not enough
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine, together with Poland, can create a joint shield in the sky. This would be a multi-layered defense system consisting of several defense elements, according to a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing with Finnish leader Alexander Stubb.
"Regarding air defense or aviation on the territory of our neighbors, for example, Poland, so that they can intercept something — this is about overall coordination. What we proposed two years ago — 'shoot down drones over us with planes' — won’t work like that anymore," the president emphasized.
Zelenskyy believes that this could serve as an element to strengthen the shield over western Ukraine and Poland.
"But it is just one element. That alone is not enough. Today, air defense systems need to be deployed in the western part of our country. Polish aviation can operate from Polish territory, but overall coordination is required, and it is preferable for Ukraine to coordinate, because there are 5–7 elements of the multi-layered defense," he explained.
Drone attack on Poland
On the night of September 10, Russian forces attacked Polish territory with strike drones. At least 19 drones entered the country, of which only four were shot down.
During the night, due to the massive attack and the potential threat to security, three Polish airports temporarily suspended operations.
According to media reports, the incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace caused concern in European civil aviation. Some airlines are even considering changing flight routes to keep aircraft as far away as possible from the borders with Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
Since September 10, Poland has restricted air traffic along its borders with Ukraine and Belarus. This measure was taken for national security reasons and, as reported, will remain in effect until December 9.
Several years ago, Ukraine proposed that Poland intercept drones and missiles targeting Ukraine from its own territory.
Poland has the necessary anti-aircraft missile systems and fighter jets capable of destroying Russian drones and missiles over Ukraine at distances of up to 100 kilometers inside Ukrainian territory.
