The President of Ukraine called on Europe to respond decisively to UAV provocations in Denmark and Germany, DW reports.
The Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service confirms assumptions that recent provocations involving drone flights over sensitive sites in European countries involved tankers from Russia's "shadow fleet." This statement was made on Tuesday, October 7, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his evening video address to citizens.
According to Zelensky, the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleg Ivashchenko, "detailed" how the vessels that Moscow uses to export oil in violation of sanctions are being utilized "for diversions and various attempts at destabilization in Europe." "We are sharing the information we have with our partners, and it is extremely important that they take concrete steps in response to Russia's actions," said the Ukrainian president.
Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv is convincing its allies to be more decisive, noting that some of them have "lost a lot of time" due to fear of Moscow. "Russians must know that none of their destructive actions - all their vile deeds - will go unanswered by the world," stated the president of Ukraine.
Kyslytsia claimed that drones over Europe are launched by embedded Russian agents
A few days earlier, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry presented another version of the appearance of unidentified UAVs in the skies over Europe. First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsia stated in an interview with The Guardian that Russian "agents and moles" in EU countries are involved.
Kyslytsia characterized the incidents involving drones as "well-calculated" and urged Europe to take "seriously" what he called an existential threat amid the ongoing war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. "I am sure that Putin receives emotional, if not physical, satisfaction from humiliating the West, demonstrating what he considers his superpower," said the first deputy head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
According to Kyslytsia, European leaders have "generally" realized the new realities, but other politicians and experts have not yet reached that point. "Many politicians still hold onto templates and algorithms from the last century, when war meant building infantry and tank offensives," Kyslytsia stated. "In the 21st century, tanks are not needed to bring technologically advanced countries to their knees. Cyberwarfare is a reality. Howitzers are not needed to paralyze the banking system. The use of drones is a smarter way to achieve goals than using nuclear bombs."
Calls for calm in Germany regarding drone provocations
The series of incidents involving drones over sensitive sites in Europe are unprecedented cases, so it is important to "assess the situation soberly and calmly," stated German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius at the beginning of October. He noted that at the time of the conversation, the drones spotted over EU countries posed "no threat," but it is important to develop "the capabilities of land and federal police" in terms of countering UAVs.
At the same time, Pistorius named Russian President Vladimir Putin as the likely organizer of the flights of "most" of the unidentified drones in European airspace. This version is also supported by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who described such incidents as attempts at espionage and destabilizing public opinion.
After the collapses at Munich Airport caused by the presence of unidentified UAVs in the air, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the creation of a federal police unit that will focus on combating drones. According to the minister, his agency is ready to enter an "arms race," countering the threat of drones with new means to combat them. There are also calls in Germany to change legislation in this area - without this, it will be problematic to shoot down unidentified UAVs in the country's airspace.
