Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flags ‘extremely dangerous precedent’ for Europe

Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday (local time) warned Europe and NATO of an escalating threat from Russia after a massive barrage of missiles and drones struck Ukraine, including Russian-Iranian “Shahed” drones, eight of which crossed into Polish airspace.

The attacks targeted at least 15 regions, causing one death.

Zelenskyy said rescuers were working in Volochysk, Khmelnytskyi region, after a missile hit a sewing workshop. “As of now, three people are reported injured. This is just one of the sites of today’s massive Russian attack: about 415 drones of various types and more than 40 cruise and ballistic missiles. Fifteen of our regions were under attack. Sadly, one person was killed as a result of shelling in the Zhytomyr region. My condolences to the family and loved ones,” he said.

Using “Sahed’s” breach of NATO airspace as a pretext, Zelenskyy also expressed concern that the conflict would spread further into NATO territory. “Today there was another step of escalation - Russian-Iranian ‘shaheds’ operated in the airspace of Poland, in NATO airspace. It was not just one ‘shahed’ that could be called an accident, but at least eight strike drones aimed toward Poland,” he said.

Calling it an “extremely dangerous precedent for Europe,” Zelenskyy said a strong and joint response was needed. “The Russians must feel the consequences. Russia must feel that the war cannot be expanded and will have to be ended. The pause in sanctions has gone on far too long. Delaying restrictions on Russia and its accomplices only means increasing the brutality of the strikes. Sufficient weapons are needed to deter Russia. A strong response is needed - and it can only be a joint response by all partners: Ukraine, Poland, all Europeans, the United States. I thank everyone who is helping,” the Ukrainian President added.  (ANI)

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