Zelenskyy urges NATO to act fast after Russian drone enters airspace again
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
A Russian drone again entered NATO airspace today. In response, Ukraine says there must be sanctions and a joint defense system, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President confirmed that on September 13, a Russian drone entered Romanian airspace. Romania scrambled fighter jets in response.
"According to current data, the drone penetrated about 10 kilometers into Romanian territory and operated in NATO airspace for around 50 minutes. Also today, Poland responded militarily to the threat of a Russian attack drone," Zelenskyy wrote.
He said Russian drones were active across different regions of Ukraine throughout the day. According to preliminary reports, Belarusian airspace was used to direct drones toward Volyn, which borders Poland.
Zelenskyy stressed that Russian forces clearly understand where their drones are heading and how long they can remain airborne. He said this cannot be accidental.
"This cannot be a coincidence, a mistake, or the initiative of some lower-level commanders. It is an obvious expansion of the war by Russia, and this is exactly how they act. Small steps at first, and eventually big losses," Zelenskyy said.
He underlined the need for preventive measures, arguing that no military threat is insignificant when it comes from "those who are accustomed to destroying the independence and lives of others."
The President added that Russia has grown used to acting this way and must face consequences.
"Sanctions against Russia are needed. Tariffs against Russian trade are needed. Collective defense is needed – and Ukraine has proposed to its partners the creation of just such a system of protection. Do not wait for dozens of Shaheds and ballistic missiles before finally making decisions," Zelenskyy said.
Background
On the night of September 10, Russia carried out a combined attack on Ukraine. That night, Russian drones also entered Polish territory. Polish fighter jets were deployed, and for the first time, they downed drones that had violated the country’s airspace.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the nation’s airspace had been violated at least 19 times. Authorities later confirmed that debris from 16 Russian drones was found in Poland.
On September 13, another drone entered NATO airspace. During an air raid alert in the Volyn region, Poland reported scrambling fighter jets and temporarily closed Lublin airport. A short time later, officials said a Russian drone had entered Romania from the Odesa region.
Footage circulating online showed air raid alerts being declared in both Poland and Romania.
