Copenhagen (TDI): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned European leaders that Russia is preparing to escalate its war beyond Ukraine’s borders, pointing to a string of drone incursions across the continent as warning signs.
Addressing nearly 50 heads of state and government gathered at a security summit in Copenhagen on Thursday, Zelensky said the recent mystery drone flights over Denmark, along with incidents in Estonia and Poland, showed that Moscow is ready to push the conflict further into Europe.
“The recent drone incidents across Europe are a clear signal that Russia still feels confident enough to escalate this war,” Zelensky told the summit. “It was never just about Ukraine, Russia’s goal has always been to undermine Europe and the West.”
European leaders met under tight security after Denmark reported unexplained drone flights last month. The sightings, coupled with airspace violations in Eastern Europe, have fueled fears that the Kremlin could expand its military campaign.
Read More: Zelensky Ready for Direct Meeting with Putin to End War
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the accusations, accusing Europe of “hysteria” to justify higher military spending. “Calm down,” he said, insisting Moscow posed no threat but warning that Russia would respond to militarization with “significant” countermeasures.
Zelensky urged Europe to draw on Ukraine’s battlefield experience, offering cooperation in defending against drone warfare. “If the Russians dare to launch drones against Poland or northern Europe, it means this can happen anywhere,” he said. “We are ready to share our experience with our partners.”
French President Emmanuel Macron called for a tougher line, saying Western countries should not hesitate to shoot down Russian drones. “Drones that violate our territory must know the risk, they can be destroyed, full stop,” Macron said. Romanian Prime Minister Nicosur Dan, whose country has faced Russian drones crossing from Ukraine, added that Romanian forces would down any future intrusions.
Alongside security concerns, leaders also discussed tightening sanctions. Macron pressed Europe to dismantle Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of ageing oil tankers used to evade export restrictions, calling it essential to “kill the business model” financing the war.
Read More: Ukraine to Receive HIMARS, Patriot Missiles in the First US Weapon Supply: Zelenskyy
Meanwhile, the European Union is weighing a plan to channel profits from frozen Russian assets into a proposed €140 billion ($165 billion) loan for Ukraine. Proponents argue Moscow should bear the financial cost of its aggression, but Belgium, home to most of the frozen funds, voiced strong reservations.
“This is uncharted territory and extremely risky,” Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said, warning of potential Russian retaliation. He insisted Belgium must not carry the burden alone.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged Belgium’s concerns and pledged to intensify talks, stressing that liability should be shared across the bloc.
