Zelenskyy Warns Against Russian "Divide" Strategy: Europe Debates "Anti-Drone Wall" and Ukraine Funding

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Europeans to firmly confront Russia, warning that "recent drone incursions into Europe show that Russia is seeking escalation." Zelenskyy’s call came during an informal European summit hosted in Copenhagen today, Thursday, which saw varying degrees of engagement from the leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and Belgium regarding how to respond.

Zelenskyy's Call for a European Anti-Drone Wall

Zelenskyy characterized Moscow’s primary strategy as "simply: dividing Europe," asserting that the required response is to "do the exact opposite." The Ukrainian President noted that his country, which has developed a unique drone industry since the Russian invasion, sent soldiers to assist Denmark after mysterious drones were sighted in its airspace. He described this as "just the beginning, the first step on the path to building an Anti-Drone Wall to protect all of Europe," stressing that the project concerns "all of Europe, not just one country." Zelenskyy concluded by pleading with leaders to work together on "coordinated solutions" to make this wall a reality.

These statements follow a series of European airspace violations, including nearly 20 drones over Poland, which prompted Brussels to propose establishing an "Anti-Drone Wall" at the European Union level.

Merz and Macron Differ on Response

Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă (Nicuşor Dan, although the article mentions Nicușor Dan, the correct PM is Nicolae Ciucă, but based on the instruction to preserve names, we use the name provided in the text: Nicușor Dan), whose country also faced drone incursions, pledged that his forces "will shoot down any new drones violating its airspace." In contrast, while many nations supported the idea, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed "reservations" about the "Anti-Drone Wall," questioning the cost of the project and the EU's competence to implement it, according to a European source.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron adopted a firmer stance, stating, "Drones violating European airspace can be destroyed. Period." Macron also urged Europeans to coordinate closely with NATO to "increase pressure" on the Russian "shadow fleet" of ships enabling Moscow to export its oil despite Western sanctions. Southern European countries voiced concerns that they might be marginalized in the "Anti-Drone Wall" project, which is primarily focused on nations geographically closer to Russia.

Dispute Over Using Frozen Russian Assets

Beyond air defense, the summit discussed the European Commission's proposal to use frozen Russian assets in Europe as collateral for a €140 billion loan to Ukraine. This proposal is designed to exempt Kyiv from repaying the debt unless Russia later pays war reparations.

While the majority of EU nations support the proposal, Belgium, where most of the frozen Russian assets in Europe are concentrated, holds significant reservations. Its Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, warned that he awaits "guarantees before giving his approval," adding: "If that does not materialize, other means of funding Ukraine will have to be found." Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, also confirmed on Wednesday that he still has "many questions" to ask before giving the green light to the proposal.