{"id":1379993,"date":"2026-05-31T22:24:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T19:24:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uatv.ua\/?p=1379993"},"modified":"2026-05-31T22:25:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T19:25:05","slug":"russia-uses-drones-to-pressure-nato-and-test-the-alliance-s-air-defenses-zelenskyy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uatv.ua\/en\/russia-uses-drones-to-pressure-nato-and-test-the-alliance-s-air-defenses-zelenskyy\/","title":{"rendered":"Russia Uses Drones to Pressure NATO and Test the Alliance\u2019s Air Defenses, \u2014 Zelenskyy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Russia is using attack drones not only against Ukraine but also as a tool to pressure NATO countries and assess their air defense capabilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said<\/a> in an interview with Face the Nation, UATV English<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n

According to him, Ukrainian defense forces try to intercept all Russian drones, including those heading toward neighboring countries.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe try to intercept every Russian drone, even when some of them are moving toward other countries such as Romania, Moldova, Poland, or the Baltic states. If we cannot do that, we immediately inform our partners and try to help them,\u201d Zelenskyy said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The president stressed that Russia\u2019s actions serve both political and psychological purposes by attempting to reduce support for Ukraine among its partners.<\/p>\n

\u201cRussia uses drones to pressure NATO countries and evaluate their response. This is their typical signal: do not help Ukraine. I believe there should be a stronger response from a united NATO,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Zelenskyy also noted that the Kremlin is systematically testing the Alliance\u2019s defensive capabilities on its eastern flank.<\/p>\n

\u201cPutin compares today\u2019s reactions with what he saw in previous years. He is also testing the air defense systems of NATO countries that border Russia or Belarus. Are they capable of intercepting all missiles and drones?\u201d the Ukrainian president concluded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

We need to find a diplomatic way \u2013 to sit down and talk \u2013 before next winter begins, Zelenskyy said.<\/p>\n

However, to achieve this, Putin must be subject to strong pressure \u2013 both internally from society and through sanctions.<\/p>\n

Other statements by the Ukrainian President in an interview with Face the Nation:<\/p>\n