Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Russia is testing its defensive capabilities and may target Italy, Norway, and other European nations.
Russia Testing Defensive Capabilities
In his latest social media post, Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Russia’s attacks on European countries, suggesting they aim to deter support for Ukraine. “Russia is testing its ability to defend itself and trying to influence societies to question why they should continue supporting Ukraine,” he stated. “The goal is to limit aid to Ukraine, especially before winter.”
Ukraine Intercepts Drones Headed Toward Poland
Zelensky also revisited the recent incident involving 92 drones allegedly heading toward Poland. “We intercepted them over Ukrainian territory, with 19 entering our 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 Targets for Russian Attacks
Zelensky identified which countries might face future Russian attacks, noting that Russia has already violated the airspace of Poland, Romania, and Estonia. “Italy could be next. You see Norway, Denmark. There are signals from Sweden. There are Romanians, Poles, Baltic states. Putin is testing what Europeans have,” he wrote. He added that some countries might fear providing Ukraine with air defense systems, but this approach is flawed. “You can’t shoot down every drone with systems like Patriot—there simply aren’t enough fighter jets in the world.”
“Instead, we need knowledge: the experience of our mobile fire teams, drone operators, air force command, and air defense unit commanders,” Zelensky emphasized.
Massive Attack on Ukraine; Poland Scrambles Fighters
Polish and allied fighter jets were scrambled on Sunday (September 28) in response to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. The operation has since concluded. Earlier, Polish and Dutch fighter pairs conducted operations related to Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian territory. 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. Andriy Sybiha, the head of Ukrainian diplomacy, informed on social media that Russia sent “hundreds of drones and missiles” over Ukraine.
