Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister, Sergiy Kyslytsya, has urged Europe to recognise the existential threat posed by Russia, warning that President Vladimir Putin will continue to escalate tensions. In an interview with the Guardian, Kyslytsya said the Kremlin was already at war with Europe, pointing to recent drone incursions into several EU countries as evidence of a calculated effort to 'move the red lines'.
Kyslytsya, who previously served as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations, claimed Russia had infiltrated EU countries with 'agents and moles' responsible for drone flights over airports in Denmark and Germany, as well as military bases. He described these operatives as konservy – tin cans in Ukrainian – that could be activated when needed. Russia has denied responsibility for the incidents.
The deputy foreign minister predicted that without a decisive transatlantic response, Putin would 'escalate escalating', using more actions to disrupt and paralyse the continent. He said many European leaders had woken up to the threat, but others – including experts and professionals – had yet to grasp it. 'In the 21st century you don’t need tanks to put technologically advanced countries on their knees,' he said.
Kyslytsya noted that Ukraine’s relations with the US administration had improved since a tense meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump in February. He said Washington’s understanding that Putin was the main obstacle to peace was growing, and that Trump 'is holding a big stick' – an achievement not to be undervalued.
Despite ongoing Russian advances on the battlefield, Kyslytsya expressed optimism, citing positive changes in Washington, more serious discussions in Europe, and Russia’s failure to achieve a military breakthrough. He emphasised that the war was turning in Ukraine’s favour, though he called for greater education across Europe about the nature of modern hybrid warfare.
