President Volodymyr Zelensky is using a recent, alleged breach of Polish airspace by Russian drones as powerful justification for Ukraine’s urgent request for more advanced weaponry from the West. By highlighting the direct threat to a NATO member, Zelensky is framing his push for long-range arms as a matter of broader European security.
According to Zelensky, on September 10, 19 Russian drones crossed into eastern Poland after his country’s air defenses intercepted the bulk of a 92-drone swarm. This incident, he argues, demonstrates that the conflict’s dangers are not contained within Ukraine’s borders and that a better-equipped Ukraine is the first line of defense for the entire continent.
This argument forms the backdrop to his announcement of a new arms deal with the United States. Following a meeting with President Donald Trump, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is pursuing the purchase of long-range weapons. A delegation is now preparing for technical talks in Washington to implement this agreement.
The goal is to acquire systems that can proactively disrupt Russia’s ability to launch such attacks, by striking logistics hubs, command centers, and launch sites deep within enemy territory. This new deal would be in addition to an existing $90 billion support package.
To counter the immediate threat, Zelensky also noted the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defenses, including the recent receipt of a US-made Patriot system from Israel. By connecting the dots between the Polish airspace violation and his request for more arms, Zelensky is making a compelling case that arming Ukraine is a direct investment in NATO’s own security.