Russia is using attack drones not only against Ukraine but also as a tool to pressure NATO countries and assess their air defense capabilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Face the Nation, UATV English reports.
According to him, Ukrainian defense forces try to intercept all Russian drones, including those heading toward neighboring countries.
“We try to intercept every Russian drone, even when some of them are moving toward other countries such as Romania, Moldova, Poland, or the Baltic states. If we cannot do that, we immediately inform our partners and try to help them,” Zelenskyy said.
The president stressed that Russia’s actions serve both political and psychological purposes by attempting to reduce support for Ukraine among its partners.
“Russia uses drones to pressure NATO countries and evaluate their response. This is their typical signal: do not help Ukraine. I believe there should be a stronger response from a united NATO,” he said.
Zelenskyy also noted that the Kremlin is systematically testing the Alliance’s defensive capabilities on its eastern flank.
“Putin compares today’s reactions with what he saw in previous years. He is also testing the air defense systems of NATO countries that border Russia or Belarus. Are they capable of intercepting all missiles and drones?” the Ukrainian president concluded.
We need to find a diplomatic way – to sit down and talk – before next winter begins, Zelenskyy said.
However, to achieve this, Putin must be subject to strong pressure – both internally from society and through sanctions.
Other statements by the Ukrainian President in an interview with Face the Nation:
- Russia began losing the initiative on the battlefield as early as December 2025, which creates the preconditions for a diplomatic window.
- Great Britain, France, and Germany could represent Europe in possible negotiations.
Zelenskyy named Turkey as a potential mediator in the negotiations. - Ukraine has requested a license from the US to produce Patriot missiles to strengthen its missile defense.
- Current US air defense missile production is insufficient to address existing threats, while Russia is increasing its production of ballistic weapons.
- According to the president, lifting sanctions effectively means strengthening the Russian defense industry and aiding the Russian military.
- Ukraine proposed the first bilateral Drone Deal with the US on cooperation in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Cooperation between Ukraine and the US in the field of drones and artificial intelligence could become the most powerful in the world.
Russia is using drones to test NATO’s response and put pressure on Ukraine’s allies, Zelenskyy added.
In an interview with Face the Nation, the president noted that Ukraine is attempting to intercept all Russian drones, even when they are heading toward Romania, Moldova, Poland, or the Baltic states.
Putin compares this response to what he has seen in previous years. He is also testing the air defenses of NATO countries bordering Russia or Belarus. Are they capable of intercepting all missiles and drones? Zelenskyy emphasized.
Earlier, it was reported that Romania intends to ask NATO to accelerate deliveries of additional air defense systems.
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