The former Russian president and prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, who is the vice president of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, has commented on the recent series of drone incidents in several European countries. “It’s a way to scare the Europeans,” Medvedev stated, without directly acknowledging Russia’s involvement.
In a post published on Monday, October 6, on his Telegram channel, Medvedev mocked the situation, claiming that “European cities have been gripped by a UFD epidemic” (Unidentified Flying Drones) and that these incidents remind Europeans what war means.
Medvedev lists five possible explanations for these incidents, framing the message in such a way as to not directly acknowledge Russia’s involvement:
- Provocations by “Banderists” with the aim of justifying the intensification of arms deliveries and provoking a conflict;
- Activities of pro-Russian sympathizers operating in the shadows in European countries, aiming to destabilize the European Union;
- Testing of their own anti-aircraft systems by the intelligence services and armies of European countries;
- Actions of local provocateurs, who launch drones for reasons of vandalism;
- Direct sending of drones from Russia.
In the continuation of the message, the former Russian president and prime minister states that all these versions are possible, separately or in combination. In his opinion, the real stake is for Europeans to feel the fear of war on their own skin.
“The main thing is that the obtuse Europeans feel the danger of war on their own skin,” Medvedev commented on the mysterious appearance of drones that affected air traffic in Germany, Denmark, and Norway.
“So they are scared and trembling, like mute animals led to the slaughterhouse, overwhelmed by panic in the face of the imminent end,” Medvedev suggests Europeans direct their anger against their own leaders, like Merz or Macron, who “build their political career and profit from the blood of others,” cites Eadaily.com.
The statements of the former Russian president and prime minister come in the context of a wave of drone incidents recorded in recent weeks in several European countries, including near military bases and airports. Western officials have not yet confirmed the origin of the flying devices. The press reported that investigations are underway, amid increasing tensions between Russia and NATO.
In the same context, French President Emmanuel Macron, at the opening of the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, stated that it is necessary for Europe to send Russia a clear signal about its readiness to shoot down drones that violate NATO countries’ airspace. He also suggested that NATO countries need to intensify their response in the event of a new series of provocations from Russia.
Earlier, Poland also announced that it is prepared to shoot down military aircraft that would violate its border.