At the United Nations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns over Russia’s potential aggression against European countries. He stated that the risk of an offensive from Moscow is “very high” as Russia aims to disrupt European unity and diminish support for Ukraine. Following his meeting with former President Donald Trump during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy discussed these threats openly.
Zelenskyy highlighted the risk of attacks involving drones, missiles, or land invasions targeting countries neighboring Russia or Belarus. He emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin, struggling to achieve his military goals in Ukraine, might attempt to destabilize Europe as a tactic to pressure Western governments.
“How to divide unanimity in Europe? … To attack somebody else. To attack and say, look, I will go further if you will not stop this,” Zelenskyy stated.
The Ukrainian leader noted ongoing drone incursions and disruptions across Europe, claiming Moscow is already testing the capabilities and responses of European nations.
He warned that Putin’s lack of a decisive victory in Ukraine could drive him to seek other confrontations to justify the war to the Russian populace. Zelenskyy urged European countries to respond actively to these threats.
“Respond. Always respond. It’s not about the war. If you don’t respond, Russians, they will go further,” Zelenskyy remarked.
Uncertain times prevail as Russian activity in Europe prompts concerns. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on September 14, stressed the threat to European peace at an EU-Arctic Summit in Finland. He called for a unified response from European nations and NATO against Russia’s presence and its hybrid attacks.
Merz’s warning followed an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport attributed to Russia. Furthermore, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of potential Russian drone or missile attacks against NATO supporters of Ukraine, aiming to weaken the alliance’s response.
These concerns materialized as evidence emerged of Russian activities. On September 8, a drone ventured into Romanian airspace before crashing after returning to Moldova. Additionally, Italian fighter jets shot down a drone entering Lithuanian airspace from Belarus, suspected to have originated from Russia.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs echoed these concerns in an interview, highlighting Europe’s vulnerabilities in drone warfare and air defenses potentially exploited by Russia.
Zelenskyy’s dialogue with Trump involved discussions on mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructures and the urgent requirement for additional air defense systems, specifically Patriot missiles. Although Trump showed willingness to assist, no immediate commitment was made for missile deliveries.
The conversations with Trump occurred amid intensified aerial assaults targeting energy infrastructure, coinciding with the UN General Assembly.
Reporter Profile: Efrat Lachter
Efrat Lachter serves as a reporter for Fox News Digital, carrying over 15 years of experience covering global conflict, affairs, human rights, and political accountability. Her work spanned 200 documentary segments across more than 40 countries, documenting critical world events.
Lachter’s investigations include uncovering human trafficking networks and detailing conflicts across various regions. Her accolades include the 2022 Peres Center for Peace Award and recognition as a Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellow. Lachter holds degrees in communication and political science.
Leave a Reply