Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged NATO on September 15th, 2025, to intercept Russian drones over Ukraine to protect Europe, stating, "To save lives, and protect Europe, intercept Russian drones above Ukraine today - rather than above us tomorrow!" The statement, posted on X at 7:24 AM UTC, follows similar sentiments from Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, who also on X stated that Russia's continued attacks demonstrate a desire to attack and not to end the war, suggesting Ukraine responds by striking "painful points of the Russian Federation." Zelensky's call for interception implies a desire for direct NATO intervention against Russian aerial assets operating over Ukrainian territory. This comes amidst escalating rhetoric and military posturing between Russia and NATO. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, had previously threatened full-scale war against NATO countries if they intercepted Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over Ukraine. Earlier this morning, prior to Zelensky's statement, French Rafale fighters with nuclear capabilities were deployed to Minsk Mazowiecki Air Base in Poland as part of NATO's Operation "Eastern Sentinel." These deployments are seen as a strategic message towards Russia, signaling NATO's readiness to deter potential aggression. Meanwhile, reports from the past hour indicated continued drone activity by the Ukrainian Air Force in the Chernihiv and Sumy regions.
