Volker tells what Russia is trying to achieve by provoking NATO countries

Russia is conducting provocations against NATO countries because it is experiencing difficulties on the battlefield in Ukraine. This opinion was voiced by former US State Department special envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker on the air of the Kiev24 TV channel.

Russia is doing this because it is weak. They realise they are not advancing on the frontline in Ukraine. They conduct strikes every night, but it has no strategic impact. They hope to show strength when in fact they are in a position of weakness. And they are trying to test NATO's reaction," Volker explained.

According to him, Russia is also trying to send a warning to NATO: if the Alliance does not pressure Ukraine to agree to concessions, the escalation could affect NATO countries.

NATO's response has been good. Drones in Poland have been shot down, MiG fighter jets in Estonia intercepted. But more is needed: more signals to Putin that such tests will not be tolerated, and support for Ukraine will not stop," stressed Volker.

Recall, 10 September 2025, part of the Russian drones during the attack on Ukraine flew into the territory of Poland and was shot down by NATO forces. And on 19 September, three Russian MiG-31 violated Estonian airspace near the island of Vaindloo, spending 12 minutes there. Estonia activated NATO's Article 4 and summoned the Russian ambassador, but Russia claims there was no violation.