Can Ukraine and its allies close Europe’s skies from Russian drones? President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed precisely one concrete solution at the Warsaw Security Forum: a joint, truly reliable shield against Russian aerial threats.
Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation reports that the Kremlin has deployed drones, warplanes, and civilian tankers 18 times in September to pressure the West and undermine support for Ukraine. No measures have been implemented against Russia to stop the attacks. The US has also not imposed sanctions against the Kremlin.
He argued that if Russia loses the ability to strike from the air, it will no longer be able to continue the war and will be forced to seek other ways to coexist.
What Kyiv proposes: a regional “air shield”
The idea is simple: combine existing Ukrainian experience with air-defence systems, mobile strike groups, electronic warfare systems, and interceptor drones into a coordinated regional coverage network.
Zelenskyy also warned that Russia used tankers in the Baltic Sea as drone-launch platforms and said in this case, Europe has “close straits and sea routes to protect itself.”
Ukraine’s proven multi-layer approach and why it matters
In recent months, Russia has massively expanded its drone attacks on Ukraine. In one of the large attacks on 28 September, Ukraine reported intercepting most of the incoming drones — about 568 shot down out of 595 drones, and 43 out of 48 missiles in that strike.
Ukraine has built practical, multi-layered defenses that include:
- mobile strike groups — small units that move quickly along the front and around critical infrastructure, combining MANPADS, AA guns, and portable EW systems; many receive parts from international donors and volunteer funds.
- interceptor drones — low-cost “drone killers” that intercept strike UAVs in flight.
- EW systems and integrated air defenses — jamming drone communications and navigation combined with classical air-defence systems.
Zelenskyy also reminded that the European Union is set to adopt its 19th sanctions package against Russia soon. In addition, he said, Europe must accelerate decisions on using Russian assets for Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction.
“I thank Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Poland for their long-standing support of Ukraine on its path toward EU membership. Ukraine’s accession is part of the security guarantees not only for us but for the entire Eastern flank. A geopolitical vacuum always opens the door for Russian aggression. That is why Ukraine must join the EU — and it will,” summarized Volodymyr Zelenskyy.