Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Russia is testing its defensive capabilities and may target more European nations.
Russia testing defensive capabilities
Volodymyr Zelensky addressed recent Russian attacks on European countries in his latest social media post, stating that Russia is testing its defensive capabilities and attempting to influence public opinion to reduce support for Ukraine. “Russia is testing its ability to defend itself and trying to influence societies to make people ask: ‘If we can defend ourselves, why should we continue supporting Ukraine?'” he said. This is aimed at limiting aid to Ukraine, especially before winter.
Ukraine intercepts 92 drones
Zelensky also revisited the recent incident involving 92 drones allegedly heading toward Poland. “We intercepted them over Ukrainian territory, with 19 entering Ukrainian airspace. However, we can see the direction and, as I would say, the choreography of this flight,” he wrote. The incident occurred on September 10.
Potential next targets
Zelensky warned that Italy could be the next target, following Russia’s violations of Polish, Romanian, and Estonian airspace. “Italy could be next. You see Norway, Denmark. There are signals from Sweden. There are Romanians, Poles, Baltic countries. Putin is testing what Europeans have,” he said. He added that some countries may fear providing Ukraine with air defense systems and keep them for themselves, but this is not the solution. “You can’t shoot down every drone with systems like Patriot—there simply aren’t enough interceptor aircraft in the world,” he stated. Instead, he emphasized the need for knowledge and experience from Ukrainian mobile fire teams, drone operators, air force command, and air defense unit commanders.
Massive attack on Ukraine
Polish and allied fighter jets were scrambled on Sunday (September 28) in response to Russian attacks on Ukraine. The operation has since ended. Earlier, Polish and Dutch fighter jets had conducted operations related to Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory. The airspace near Lublin and Rzeszów was closed. According to independent observers, Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Kyiv since the start of the full-scale war. At least four people were killed, and ten were injured, including a 12-year-old girl. Several residential buildings and industrial facilities were damaged, and fires broke out. Debris from unmanned aerial vehicles fell on streets and cars. Air raid alerts were issued in many other parts of Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba informed on social media that Russia had sent “hundreds of drones and missiles” over Ukraine.
