Europe must prepare for a new security reality, in which drone attacks are no longer exclusively tools of states but can also be used by terrorists, criminal networks, or lone attackers.
The warning was issued by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a speech delivered in London, at the British Parliament, according to The Guardian.
"No longer need billions for mass attacks"
In front of members of Parliament and the House of Lords, the leader from Kiev explained that the democratization of drone technology radically changes the nature of modern conflicts.
"It's not just about a state launching attacks; we must be prepared for any kind of attack, including from non-state actors, criminal networks, terrorist groups, and even lone attackers," Zelensky said.
He emphasized that mass attacks no longer entail huge costs. "With the spread of drones, mass attacks no longer cost billions. They cost much less. Unfortunately, it's no longer just a rich madman like Putin who can afford this," Zelensky said.
Russia and Iran, "arms brothers" in drone warfare
The Ukrainian president directly linked this threat to military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, highlighting the use of Iranian drones in Ukraine.
"The regimes in Russia and Iran are united in hatred and, therefore, are arms brothers," Zelensky stated, warning that the technology developed in this conflict could quickly reach Europe.
He explained that Shahed-type drones have evolved rapidly. "It can be seen from how Shaheds have evolved from rudimentary rapid attack weapons to faster, deadlier drones that already use AI," the Ukrainian president said.
Middle East war is not "far" from Europe
Zelensky warned that the current conflict in the Middle East has direct implications for European security, including its impact on Western military resources.
He conveyed that Ukraine risks losing air defense systems redistributed in the region at a critical moment in the war with Russia.
In the same context, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for continued support for Kiev. "It is very important to maintain our resolve in supporting Ukraine, doing everything we can to weaken Putin's power," Starmer said.
Drones can strike anywhere: "No ocean protects you anymore"
The Ukrainian leader stressed that geographical distances no longer offer protection against new technologies.
"If evil prevails, the evolution of warfare will cross any distance on earth, no ocean will help, no desert, no mountain," he said.
Zelensky also warned about the capability of launching drones from the sea, significantly extending the range of attacks. "Drones can be launched not only from land but also from ships at sea. Such long-distance attacks are no longer rare," Zelensky pointed out.
Ukraine offers military support to Western allies
In this context, Kiev offers to support Western allies affected by drone attacks, including in the Middle East.
Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine can provide interception teams and radar systems. "This is the kind of reinforcement we offer and may soon be needed throughout Europe," the leader from Kiev specified.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was also present at the speech at Westminster.