Zelensky Warns Europe of Russian Drone Escalation at Copenhagen Summit Amid Rising Security Threats
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has sounded the alarm over recent drone incursions across Europe, calling them a bold sign that Russia is pushing to escalate its aggression beyond Ukraine’s borders. Speaking at a high-stakes summit in Copenhagen on Thursday, Zelensky offered his country’s battle-tested know-how to help European nations build stronger defences, including a proposed “drone wall” to shield the continent from Moscow’s aerial threats.
The gathering of leaders from nearly 50 countries came under heavy security after mysterious drone sightings disrupted Danish airports and military sites last month, heightening fears of a spillover from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. As Europe scrambles to boost its military readiness, discussions also turned to cracking down on Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers and using frozen Russian assets to fund aid for Kyiv, amid warnings of a broader hybrid war waged by the Kremlin.
Drone Incursions Spark Alarm: A Sign of Russia’s Bold Moves
Zelensky did not hold back in his address, pointing to recent drone sightings in Denmark, as well as airspace violations in Estonia, Poland, Romania, Norway, and beyond. [0] “The recent drone incidents across Europe are a clear sign that Russia still feels bold enough to escalate this war,” he said. [3] He stressed that the conflict was “never just about Ukraine,” with Russia always aiming to “break the West and Europe.” [6]
These incidents have rattled the region. In Denmark, unidentified drones forced temporary closures at Copenhagen and Aalborg airports, as well as over military bases on the Jutland peninsula. [9] Similar breaches occurred in Poland on 10 September, where NATO jets were scrambled to intercept and down Russian drones. [9] Estonia reported a 12-minute incursion by Russian MiG-31 fighter jets, prompting NATO to hold consultations under Article 4 twice in September. [10] Leaders and intelligence services fear Russia could launch attacks elsewhere in Europe within three to five years, testing NATO’s resolve amid doubts over US commitment under a potential Trump administration. [9]
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the situation as part of a “hybrid war” by Russia, saying, “One day it’s Poland, the other day it’s Denmark, and next week it will probably be somewhere else.” [9] She urged Europe to arm itself swiftly, noting the drones are likely Moscow’s way of probing defences and sowing division. [16]
Putin’s Response: Dismissal and Warnings of His Own
Russian President Vladimir Putin brushed off the accusations, mocking NATO countries for stirring “hysteria” to justify higher military spending. [1] He claimed Russia is “closely monitoring the rising militarisation of Europe” and promised a “timely and significant” response if needed. [1] Putin insisted Moscow poses no threat, telling critics to “just calm down.” [1]
Despite the denials, European officials remain convinced the incursions are deliberate provocations from Russia. [11] German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said airspace violations are worsening and it’s “reasonable to assume the drones are coming from Russia.” [10] NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed the call to “keep our skies safe.” [10]
Building a ‘Drone Wall’: Ukraine’s Expertise on Offer
European leaders are turning to Ukraine’s hard-earned skills in countering drones, gained from nearly four years of war where Russia deploys 500-600 unmanned aerial vehicles daily, compared to Ukraine’s 100-150. [28] Zelensky warned, “If the Russians dare to launch drones against Poland, or violate the airspace of northern European countries, it means this can happen anywhere.” [7] He pledged, “We are ready to share this experience with our partners.”
The idea of a “drone wall” – a continent-wide shield along the EU’s eastern flank – gained traction at the summit. Championed by European Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, it would use advanced tech to detect and neutralise threats. Ukraine, with Europe’s most advanced drone industry, has already sent personnel to Denmark for joint exercises on drone defence. Zelensky called it the “first step toward creating an effective ‘drone wall’ to protect all of Europe.”
French President Emmanuel Macron pushed for a firmer stance: “Drones which would violate our territories are just taking a big risk. They can be destroyed, full stop.” Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă, whose country has faced drones spilling over from Ukraine, vowed to shoot down the next violator. Divisions persist, though, with France and Germany questioning the wall’s feasibility, and Greece and Italy seeking benefits for the southern flank.
Tight Security in Copenhagen: A Fortress for Talks
The summit at Christiansborg Castle was held under unprecedented security, with Denmark banning all civilian drone flights until Friday and restricting traffic in Copenhagen. A special radar system was installed at Copenhagen airport, and allies stepped in: France sent 35 specialists, a Fennec helicopter, and anti-drone gear; Germany provided an air defence frigate and 40 personnel; Sweden loaned powerful radars and military anti-drone systems; Norway, Poland, and the UK contributed troops and equipment. Ukraine also dispatched experts to help.
The two-day event included an informal EU Council on Wednesday, focusing on defence and Ukraine support, followed by the seventh European Political Community (EPC) meeting on Thursday with over 40 leaders. Zelensky attended in person, holding talks with Frederiksen and addressing the group, contrary to some plans for a video link.
Targeting Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ to Starve War Funds
As the war drags into its fourth year, leaders vowed to ramp up pressure on Moscow. Macron called for intensified action against Russia’s “shadow fleet” – ageing tankers dodging sanctions to export oil and fund the invasion. “It is extremely important to increase the pressure on this shadow fleet, because it will clearly reduce the capacity to finance this war effort,” he said, highlighting France’s recent seizure of a blacklisted Russian-linked tanker.
Zelensky urged quick adoption of the EU’s 19th sanctions package targeting this fleet. He also raised alarms over Russian drones endangering Chernobyl and Europe’s largest nuclear plant in Zaporizhzhia, calling for stronger protections.
Frozen Assets Debate: Funding Ukraine Without Taxpayer Burden
To secure Ukraine’s finances, the EU is eyeing a 140-billion-euro loan backed by profits from frozen Russian assets, worth about 300 billion euros, mostly held in Belgium. Proponents argue Russia should pay for the damage, helping Kyiv cover budget gaps without hitting European taxpayers.
But Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever voiced deep concerns: “We’re going to move to uncharted waters. This is very, very risky.” He demanded shared liability among EU states to protect Belgium from Russian backlash. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen agreed the risk should not fall solely on Belgium and pledged to “intensify” talks. A decision could come at the next EU summit on 23 October.
Hungary blocked moves to ease vetoes on Ukraine’s EU accession, sticking to its opposition. Zelensky pushed for expansion as part of Europe’s strategy, despite Budapest’s stance.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za