Zelensky says Russian drone and hybrid attacks aim to scare Europeans

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a wave of Russian drone incursions and hybrid attacks across Europe is designed to intimidate the population and undermine support for Ukraine's war effort. He noted that an increasing number of European officials are starting to grasp the nature of the threat and are moving toward a tougher stance, even as Moscow labels the claims as unfounded and the product of anti-Russian hysteria.

After talks with European representatives in Brussels, Kyiv obtained funding to place orders for drones that will be deployed in early 2027. Zelensky also revealed a comprehensive plan to cover a $27 billion shortfall in Ukraine's defense budget, combining reallocation of domestic resources, bilateral assistance and loans drawn from the EU's planned €90 billion loan package for the next year.