Zelensky says Putin's drone attacks are tests for Europe, US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with The Guardian, Ukrinform reports.

"Weakness does not lead to dialogue with Russia. For the Russians, this is just weakness. And that means they can impose their own narratives. That's what's happening. So, in response to the question of what these drone incursions into European airspace across various countries really are, they're all tests. Tests of Europe, tests of their reactions. All of Putin's drone attacks are tests to see what they can do," Zelensky said.

He added that this is also a test of how the United States will respond to the current threat facing European NATO countries.

"There's no smoke without fire, and I believe all these tests are dangerous for Europe's integrity," he said.

Zelensky noted that Russia does not appreciate weakness.

"Any intellectual response, which is how Europe reacts, is about weakness for Russia. Weakness carries a certain Russian flavor. Russians sense it and try, while no one has yet gathered enough strength, to put pressure, cause damage, and gain some additional benefit," he said.

Regarding Ukraine, he explained, that benefit is "to prevent Ukraine from developing, to destroy its identity and its lands." In the energy sphere – Slovakia, Hungary, Eastern Europe, Germany as well – Russia seeks to keep everyone hooked on constant energy dependence.

Zelensky stressed that Europe is still afraid of the word "escalation" and recalled that "it is not Europe that is at war with Russia, but Russia that is at war with Ukraine – and, potentially, with many others in Europe."

Earlier reports said that Ukraine and its partners in the European Union were preparing the 20th package of sanctions, proposing to include Russian companies and individuals who continue to profit from energy resources.