Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday called for a joint air defence system with European allies after accusing Russia of “deliberately targeting” Poland by sending drones through its airspace during an overnight strike.
Polish authorities confirmed they had intercepted and destroyed several Russian drones fired toward Ukraine, sparking condemnation from NATO allies.
Zelensky said the incident underscored the urgency of creating a collective Ukraine-Europe air defence network.
“Ukraine has long urged its partners to establish a joint air defence shield to ensure the guaranteed downing of Shahed drones, other UAVs, and missiles using our combined aviation and air defence capabilities,” he wrote on social media.
Throughout the three-year conflict, Russia has launched tens of thousands of drones in nightly assaults, stepping up strikes as peace negotiations remain stalled. Zelensky described the breach of Polish airspace as a “dangerous precedent” for Europe and insisted it was intentional.
“While individual Russian drones have previously strayed briefly into neighbouring countries, this time we are witnessing a much larger, deliberate incursion,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader urged allies to deliver a strong response, framing the attack as an effort to “humiliate” NATO and EU member Poland.
“Russia must understand that the reaction to this escalation, and especially to such an affront against one of Europe’s key nations, will be united and decisive,” Zelensky declared.
Kyiv continues to press Washington and Brussels to impose tougher sanctions designed to cripple Moscow’s ability to sustain its offensive.
