NATO’s style of destroying Russian drones in Poland was ‘not the way’ to effectively defend its skies, Zelenskyy says
By Matthew Loh — 12 Sep 2025
Summary
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised NATO’s response to a wave of Russian drones that entered Polish airspace, saying the alliance relied on expensive missiles and Patriot batteries to intercept cheap attack drones — “that is not the way.” Poland reported at least 19 drones; NATO scrambled fighter jets and used air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 and AIM-9. Zelenskyy urged Europe to adopt Ukraine’s multisystem approach to air defence, which layers electronic warfare, guns, interceptor drones and helicopters and reserves costly interceptors for larger ballistic or cruise missiles.
Source
Key Points
- Zelenskyy warned NATO that using high-cost missiles (Patriots, AIM-120) against relatively cheap Russian drones is tactically and economically inefficient.
- Poland reported at least 19 drones; NATO aircraft shot down several, and debris from high-cost missiles was found, underscoring the cost asymmetry.
- Ukraine’s “multisystem” air-defence mixes electronic warfare, vehicle-mounted guns, interceptor drones and helicopters to handle mass drone attacks while saving advanced interceptors for larger threats.
- Zelenskyy said Ukraine has offered training and assistance to NATO states and is discussing a joint air-defence system with Poland, the UK, Italy and NATO officials.
- Poland invoked NATO’s Article 4 after the incursions; alliance leaders view the incidents as deliberate probes by Russia to test NATO defences.
Context and Relevance
The story highlights a key strategic shift: drone swarms create a cost-and-scale problem for traditional air-defence doctrine. For NATO and European governments this is a wake-up call to adapt procurement, tactics and training to cheaper, massed aerial threats. Defence planners, policymakers and anyone tracking the Ukraine conflict should care because how Europe responds will shape military spending priorities, alliance interoperability and the risk of escalation after airspace violations.
Author style
Punchy: this isn’t just commentary — it’s a practical challenge to NATO doctrine. Zelenskyy’s remarks push a clear message: adapt your tactics or keep wasting expensive missiles on inexpensive threats. If you’re tracking defence policy, read the detail — it frames how future European air-defence capability and cooperation may be reshaped.
Why should I read this?
Because it’s a reality check. NATO’s old-school answers (Patriots, air-to-air missiles) don’t scale against cheap drone waves — and that matters for costs, civilian safety and how quickly Europe can stop these attacks. This article saves you a look-through of the noise: short, sharp explanation of the problem and Ukraine’s practical alternative.
Additional notes
Poland’s incident is part of a pattern of Russian drone use to probe defences. The Kremlin denies deliberate incursions; NATO sees the events as provocative tests. Poland’s Article 4 consultation signals seriousness and potential for deeper alliance coordination on regional air defence.