Medvedev: Europe’s drone 'epidemic' is a way to scare them
Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's former President and Prime Minister and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, has commented on a series of recent drone incidents across several European countries.
"It's a way to scare Europeans," Mr Medvedev said, while stopping short of directly acknowledging any Russian involvement.
In a post on his Telegram channel on Monday, 6 October, he ridiculed the situation, claiming European cities had been gripped by an "epidemic of UFD" (Unidentified Flying Drones). He asserted the incidents were a reminder to Europeans of what war means.
Mr Medvedev put forward five possible explanations for the incidents, carefully phrasing his message to avoid directly acknowledging Russian involvement:
"Banderite" provocations aimed at justifying increased arms deliveries and provoking a conflict;
The activity of pro-Russian sympathisers acting in the shadows in European countries, seeking to destabilise the European Union;
The testing of their own anti-aircraft systems by the intelligence services and armies of European states;
The actions of local provocateurs, who launch drones for reasons of vandalism;
The direct sending of drones from Russia.
The former Russian leader asserted that all these versions were possible, either separately or in combination. In his view, the real stake is for Europeans to feel the danger of war firsthand.
"The main thing is that 'thick-headed' Europeans feel the danger of war firsthand," Mr Medvedev commented on the mysterious appearance of the drones that affected air traffic in Germany, Denmark, and Norway. "So they are afraid and trembling, like cattle being led to the slaughterhouse, overwhelmed by panic in the face of the imminent end."
Mr Medvedev suggested that Europeans should direct their anger against their own leaders, such as Merz or Macron, who "build their political careers and profit at the expense of others' blood," as cited by Eadaily.com.
The statements come amid a wave of drone incidents recorded in recent weeks near military bases and airports across Europe. Western officials have so far not confirmed the origin of the aircraft. However, media reports indicate investigations are ongoing amid rising tensions between Russia and Nato.
In the same context, French President Emmanuel Macron, at the opening of the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, said that Europe needed to send a clear signal to Russia about the willingness to shoot down drones that violate Nato airspace. He also suggested that Nato countries must intensify their reaction in the event of a new series of Russian provocations.
Previously, Poland also announced it was ready to shoot down military aircraft that violate its border.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
