From POLITICO · · 1m 50s
Putin will drag Europe into war, warns ex-Ukrainian FM
Dmytro Kuleba says Russia is preparing a broader confrontation with Europe through hybrid attacks and sees Putin as committed to endless conflict.
In brief
Dmytro Kuleba says Russia is preparing a broader confrontation with Europe through hybrid attacks and sees Putin as committed to endless conflict. Ukraine's former foreign minister warns that Putin is preparing attacks on European NATO countries using drones and hybrid warfare, not a full-scale invasion, and that…
Putin preparing broader European war
Ukraine's former foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba warns Russia is preparing for confrontation with Europe. Anti-European propaganda in Russia signals Putin plans attacks on other European countries.
“Anti-European hysteria is being fueled in Russia, which I interpret as the preparation for a broader conflict with the rest of Europe.”
Moscow escalates hybrid attacks across continent
European officials report Moscow has increased cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation campaigns in recent months to disrupt critical infrastructure and weaken support for Ukraine.
Failed drone attack signals growing threat
A failed drone attack on Leipzig airport in Germany in August showed Russia's growing preparation for offensive action. Germany concluded Moscow was responsible and ordered security reviews.
“They see how your intelligence operates. They see how your security forces operate. They see how you react and they draw conclusions.”
Russia likely to target NATO with drones
Kuleba believes Russia will not launch a full-scale invasion but instead attack NATO countries with drones targeting key infrastructure to test alliance unity and preparedness.
“The truth is that Russia does not need 400,000 more people to wage that war. It needs five drones.”
Putin cannot be negotiated with, Kuleba says
Kuleba no longer believes Putin can be persuaded to end the war. Putin operates on a zero-sum worldview where one side must win and the other lose, making negotiation futile.
“Putin is a guarantee of war: anyone after Putin is a chance for peace.”
Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian civilians
Moscow is escalating airstrikes against Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure as winter approaches. On Thursday, at least thirty-three people were killed in a Russian attack on two buses in Kramatorsk.
Ukraine faces worst winter yet, Kuleba warns
Kuleba says Russia's bombing campaign targets Ukrainian will to resist and international support for Ukraine. He warns of potential collapse of city systems like electricity and water, but believes Ukraine will endure.
“The bombing of cities is a direct consequence of Russia's failure to defeat Ukraine on the battlefield.”
What to remember
Ukraine's former foreign minister warns that Putin is preparing attacks on European NATO countries using drones and hybrid warfare, not a full-scale invasion, and that negotiating with Putin is futile.
