Zelensky says why Russian drones are flying into Europe

The Kremlin is using drone provocations to test Europe's reaction while at the same time trying to weaken support for Ukraine. This is how Russian dictator Vladimir Putin plans to open a new direction of military operations even before the war in Ukraine is over. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the Ukrainian leader, Ukraine has already held consultations with several countries, but he did not voice specific names. The president stressed that Ukrainian specialists in countering drones would be sent to the joint advisory group, and representatives of a number of countries would come to Ukraine for training.

Zelensky noted that the Kremlin's actions did not come as a surprise: even earlier it was warned that Putin was ready for a new war.

I thought it would be earlier. I talked about it. The question is that Putin will not wait for the war in Ukraine to end. He will open some other direction. Nobody knows which one... But certainly he wants that," the president said.

Europe's test

According to Zelensky, Putin is testing the ability of European countries to defend themselves.

A vivid example is the provocation against Poland, when 19 Russian drones flew, but only four were shot down. We are at war, they are not at war. We are ready to share the knowledge that Ukraine has. What could be next? You see Norway, Denmark. There were signals this morning from Sweden. And there are the Romanians, the Poles, there are the Baltic states. Putin is checking what the Europeans have," the President explained.

Manipulation of public opinion

In addition, the Kremlin is trying to influence the society of Ukraine's neighbouring countries. The goal is to cause discontent with Kiev's support.

What about the societies there? How willing are they to continue to support Ukraine so openly? I believe it has an impact. Public opinion will not think about Ukraine protecting them. They will think about the fact that we give everything to Ukrainians, but we can't protect ourselves," Zelensky said.

Attempt to reduce support

The Kremlin's provocations, according to the president, are aimed at reducing aid to Ukraine, especially ahead of winter, when many countries are ready to transfer air defence systems. But such actions are doomed to fail.

Drones are not shot down by anti-aircraft missile systems, the missiles to which cost millions of dollars. And there are not so many missiles. No system can withstand 100, 200 or 300 drones in a row," he stressed.

At the same time, Zelensky noted that Europe actively finances the production of weapons and drones in Ukraine, as well as transfers air defence systems, which are manufactured exclusively for Ukrainian request.

Ukraine's role

That is why now European countries critically need Ukraine's experience: mobile firing groups, drone interceptor operators, knowledge of the Air Force.

This is the knowledge that is important. These systems are very important. Defence systems, different lines of drones. We are ready to help," the President summarised.