Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Europe on Thursday recent drone incursions showed Russia was looking to “escalate” its aggression, as he offered his country’s war-honed expertise to help counter the threat.
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The warning came at a summit of European leaders from just under 50 countries, who converged on a conference centre in Copenhagen under tight security after mystery drone flights rattled Denmark last month.
The drone sightings in Denmark and high-profile aerial incursions by Moscow in Estonia and Poland have heightened fears that Russia’s assault on Ukraine could spill over Europe’s borders.
“The recent drone incidents across Europe are a clear sign that Russia still feels bold enough to escalate this war,” Zelensky said.
“It was never just about Ukraine, Russia has always aimed to break the West and Europe.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin waved off the accusations, but said Russia was “closely monitoring the rising militarisation of Europe”, adding that Moscow’s response will be timely and “significant”.