World · Europe · 9 hrs ago
Former Ukrainian foreign minister warns Russia could widen conflict with Europe
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister from 2020 to 2024, says Russia may be preparing for a wider confrontation with Europe.
He points to Russian anti-European messaging and a rise in hybrid attacks, including cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation.
Kuleba does not expect a full-scale Russian offensive beyond Ukraine; he says drones targeting key infrastructure in NATO countries could test the alliance’s unity and readiness.
German officials blamed Moscow for a failed drone attack on Leipzig airport in August and ordered a review of security at sensitive sites.
Kuleba also says Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, transport links and civilian locations are disrupting daily life as winter approaches.
He warns Ukraine could face its worst winter yet, but the account gives no specific next steps beyond the security review in Germany.
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba warned that Russia could widen its conflict with Europe.
He said Russian anti-European propaganda and preparations point to a broader confrontation.
Kuleba said Russia might target NATO countries with drones aimed at key infrastructure rather than launch a full-scale offensive beyond Ukraine.
He also said he no longer believes negotiations can persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war.
Kuleba warned that Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure could make the coming winter Ukraine’s worst ever.
- Who
- Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s former foreign minister, issued the warning.
- What
- He warned that Russia could widen the conflict with Europe, including through drone attacks on NATO countries’ key infrastructure.
- When
- The article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The warning concerned Europe and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
- Why
- Kuleba cited Russia’s war preparations, anti-European propaganda and hybrid attacks as signs of a possible broader confrontation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Anti-European hysteria is being fueled in Russia, which I interpret as the preparation for a broader conflict with the rest of Europe
We [Ukrainians] don't have to drag you — Putin will drag you into the war.
The truth is that Russia does not need 400,000 more people to wage that war. It needs five drones
Putin is a guarantee of war: anyone after Putin is a chance for peace.
Kuleba served as Ukraine’s foreign policy chief.
Kuleba stood down as Ukraine’s foreign policy chief.
A failed drone attack took place at Leipzig airport in Germany, which Kuleba cited as a sign of growing preparation for an offensive.
Politico Europe published Kuleba’s warning about a possible wider conflict with Europe.
- Former foreign minister
- Dmytro Kuleba
- Foreign policy chief
- 2020–2024
- Leipzig airport incident
- Failed drone attack in August
- Potential NATO attack
- Five drones, according to Kuleba
- Kramatorsk attack
- At least 33 people killed in an attack on two buses
Sources
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