Opinion: A Stress Test for Europe: How Far Will Putin Go?

Sept. 10, 2025, will go down in recent world history as a new round of Russian aggression against Europe. On this day, Russian drones deliberately crossed the airspace ofPoland. It was not a mistake; it was a deliberate and calculated provocation with the sole purpose of defining the limits of what is permissible.

After that, the Kremlin repeatedly tested the anti-aircraft systems of various European countries:Denmark,Romania,Estonia,the Netherlands, and others. Sometimes by fighter jets, sometimes by unknown drones. This is a common tactic – because even the physical presence of its military on Ukrainian lands has been stubbornly denied by Moscow since 2014, they have been called “unknown little green men.” Therefore, you should not be surprised by “unknown drones” over the airports and air bases of European cities.

What does Putin want?

All these operations have strategic and tactical tasks important for the interests of Russia. Let’s start with tactics.

Testing the European air defense system. During the incident over Poland, NATO raised the combat aviation of the partner countries of the Alliance. And although General Secretary Mark Ruttestated that the Allies are able to defend every centimeter of their territory, the question remains: how effective was this defense?

Ukraine systematically repels massive drone attacks on rear cities with means equivalent to the aerial target. We don’t use Patriot or expensive anti-aircraft missiles against Russian drones. Shooting down a $250,000 drone with a $1 million missile is a luxury that Ukraine cannot afford. For this, we have a whole complex of mobile fire groups, small aircraft, short-range air defense systems and interceptor drones. This system shows its effectiveness in the ratio of destroyed enemy targets. Here, Ukraine is an absolute leader and is ready to share its experience.

Coercion to reduce European aid to Ukraine. Europe remains the main partner of Ukraine: It is the EU that finances the purchase of weapons from the US and is the hub for receiving these weapons. Such provocations of Russia force Europeans to think about their own defense, the accumulation of weapons for themselves and, as a result, a decrease in help to Ukraine.

Here it is important to understand that Kyiv needs protection against cruise missiles and ballistics from its Western partners. These are other complexes that are ineffective against drones. Does Europe require such missiles? Yes. Is it the amount that Ukraine needs now? No. A Ukrainian soldier stands in the way of the Russian “Iskander” to European capitals, and as long as he is equipped with weapons, he will protect not only Kyiv, but also Brussels, London, and other cities.

Avoiding US sanctions against Russia. US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric regarding Russia has changed, but he is still giving Putin time. There is still no sanction strike from the White House, although it is very frightening for the Kremlin. At the same time, Washington is trying to shift the defense of the European continent to Europe itself. And this is also used by Moscow – it tries to intimidate the continent.

Fear as a strategic goal of Russia

From the collapse of the USSR to this day, Russia feeds on fear in the eyes of European countries. Moscow periodically reinforces this fear with nuclear blackmail and the illusion of power, money, and troops. The main Russian export goods are not oil and gas, but lies and pretenses. They show their wealth and resources (although the GDP of Russia is less than the GDP of Italy, with a colossal difference in territory). They flaunt rockets and tanks in parades, but use these weapons against civilians.

In reality, “strong Russia” is just a bunch of oligarchs close to Putin who are squeezing the last drops out of their population. Will this elite, who wants to live on the stolen money somewhere warm, allow him to press the “red button”? No. Nuclear blackmail of Russia is a lie and pretense.

The Ukrainian army has been successfully destroying the illusion of Russian military power since 2022. Because Russia has not been able to capture Ukraine until now, despite a huge advantage in the number of personnel. Our military proved that the army of Russia is not the second in the world – and arguably not even in Europe.

The strength and dignity of Europe

The only country that gave a decent rebuff to Russian provocations in the sky is Turkey. In 2015, itshot down a Su-24 fighter jet that flew into the airspace of the country.

Right now, the truth and the law are on the side of Europe, but they are dusted with fear. And this already carries risks for political stability within the EU countries.

The biggest danger here is that when a certain country reacts sluggishly to attacks on itself, it shows weakness. This weakness is seen by Russia, the country’s partners, and most importantly, its own citizens. People who have heard nothing but “deep concern” simply stop believing in the strength of their state, their government, and themselves. This despair is the worst.

A worthy answer

The only correct course of action here is repulsion and punishment. In 2022 and to this day, Ukrainians have resisted a much stronger aggressor because they believed in themselves and knew that the truth and the law were on our side. We did not allow an insolent neighbor to tell us how to live and are fighting for our right for the future. We are fighting for it with force, because this is the only thing that Russia understands.

We are not calling on Europe to fight against Russia, start World War III, or bomb Russia in response. There are enough tools and asymmetric steps that would be felt by the Kremlin, put it in its place and show that democracy has teeth.

One of these options is the confiscation of frozen Russian assets. This is not a military step, but an effective one, which is as painful as possible for Moscow. Now, in the accounts of the depository Euroclear, there are about €185 billion ($214 billion) of the Russian central bank. Various mechanisms for transferring these funds to Ukraine are being considered, but the very fact of such a transfer is a clear signal for Russia: Europe is not weak, it fights back and will not make concessions to the aggressor.

Moreover, such actions will restore Europe’s dignity and faith in its own strength. Statements, concerns, meetings, and consultations will never shoot down a Russian drone over your city. The aggressor understands only strength and determination. Don’t let Russian illusions make you weak.

The views expressed in this opinion article are the author’s and not necessarily those of Kyiv Post.

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