- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia is “testing” Europe’s air defenses and could expand the war beyond Ukraine.
- He urges a full stop to Russian oil and gas imports and calls for total sanctions on Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” banking, and energy sectors.
- Ukraine will allow controlled arms exports only where the military has no shortfall, with proceeds directed to critical drone needs, he says.
The Big Picture
In a series of statements on X, Zelenskyy said Russia is probing Europe’s ability to defend itself and warned that Vladimir Putin could “open up some other direction” before the war in Ukraine is over. According to Zelenskyy, Moscow’s recent cross-border drone activity is meant to unsettle European societies and weaken support for Kyiv as winter approaches.
What’s New
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine tracked a large wave of drones headed toward Poland and saw some reach Polish airspace while many were downed over Ukrainian territory. He suggested other European states—including Italy, the Nordics, Romania, Poland, and the Baltic nations—could face similar tests in the months ahead.
On energy, Zelenskyy urged Europe to stop importing Russian oil and gas entirely, arguing the revenue “is spent by Russia directly on the war.” He called for comprehensive sanctions targeting the shadow fleet moving Russian crude, the banking system enabling those sales, and maritime trade routes, as posted on X.
On defense industry policy, he said Ukraine will pursue controlled exports only for weapons not needed by its forces, with revenue channeled to priority gaps—especially interceptors and long-range drones. He also cited new cooperation tracks with partners in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Africa, and said Ukraine is working with several countries to open export platforms.
Reporting on the UN General Assembly week, Zelenskyy noted high-level participation in Ukraine-related events and said agreements on support packages should move quickly. He added that Kyiv will act on outcomes from his meeting with President Donald Trump and his team, which he described as productive, and that partners signaled openness to using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s defense and recovery, as he posted on X.
What They’re Saying
Statements from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
On U.S. Support
On Ending Russian Energy Imports
Yes, there are risks and alternative logistics may cost more. But a way must be found to stop buying Russian energy. On this, I fully support the U.S., and Ukraine is ready to help Europe.
This must be part of a comprehensive solution: not only energy, but also the shadow fleet, and in principle, halting Russia’s ability to trade and export goods by sea. This is also an important way to reduce its economy. Shadow fleet, banking sector, energy – total sanctions are needed, without exceptions.”
Context
In February 2022, Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Cross-border strikes and drone accidents have made people worry from time to time that they would spread into NATO territory. European governments have talked about how to balance sending air defenses to Kyiv with keeping their own defenses ready. Zelenskyy says that low-cost mobile fire teams and drone operators are necessary to make up for the lack of missiles.
What’s Next
Watch for European discussions on a full embargo of Russian energy, tighter enforcement against the shadow fleet, and measures to curb maritime trade that finances the Kremlin’s war. Kyiv is also moving to expand defense production and set rules for controlled exports while accelerating delivery of pledged support packages from UNGA-week meetings. Zelenskyy said Ukraine will implement agreements reached with U.S. counterparts and pursue additional partnerships across regions.
The Bottom Line
Zelenskyy’s message is blunt: Russia is probing Europe’s defenses now, not later. He wants total economic pressure on Moscow, faster execution of pledged aid, and a mix of high-end and agile air defenses to blunt winter-season strikes—while signaling that Ukraine will grow its own defense industry without shortchanging the front.
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