13 October 2025

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Russia’s attacks on Poland and other NATO countries mirror the scenario that preceded the occupation of Crimea

On October 12, in an interview with Fox News, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that by attacking Poland and other NATO countries, Putin is repeating the scenario that unfolded in Crimea before its occupation.

It was recalled that in September, at least 19 Russian UAVs entered Polish airspace. According to Polish authorities, only four of these drones were successfully shot down. President Zelenskyy highlighted that these were ordinary drones — not cruise or ballistic missiles, which are significantly more difficult to neutralize.

The President of Ukraine underlined that before the occupation of Crimea, Putin had prepared Russian society for the idea that Crimea could be seized by Russia. He noted that the same pattern is now being observed with Poland and the Baltic states.

President Zelenskyy also pointed out that Putin tested the world’s reaction with Crimea to see how the United States would respond, noting that the reaction had been weak and insufficient. He added that Europe’s response, as well as that of the countries of the Global South, had also been weak, even regarding Russia’s initial steps in Crimea.

ʼʼSo he made tests with Crimea and looked at the reaction of the United States, and it was a weak reaction, I think, so not enough, and also the European reaction was weak, and the Global South was weak at his first steps to Crimea,” the President stated.