Russia Growls at European Drone Makers

Russia’s former president says that European drone manufacturers cooperating with Ukraine are “potential targets for the Russian armed forces.” Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten (R) pose with documents after signing a declaration and a contract for the supply of drones in Middelburg on April 16, 2026. Robin VAN LONKHUIJSEN / ANP / AFP Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The Russian defense ministry issued a thinly veiled threat to Ukrainian drone manufacturers via a Telegram post on Wednesday, publishing the addresses of multiple European drone manufacturers aiding Ukraine. It comes amid a flurry of defense pacts between Ukraine and European leaders, including a German €4 billion military aid package focusing on air defense and drones, and ongoing talks between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Giorgia Meloni over a possible joint drone production project. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Russia’s defense ministry denounced these ventures as a “sharp escalation of the military and political situation,” turning countries into strategic props for Ukraine. Ukraine’s defense industry has been lobbying European partners to co-produce drones and other defense equipment to keep up with its massive daily deployment of around 9,000 drones since the end of 2025, according to a senior Ukrainian official. Russia’s former president, Dmitry Medvedev, translated this message more bluntly, stating separately that the ministry’s statement should be taken “literally” and that these manufacturers are “potential targets for the Russian armed forces.” Euractiv is a European news website focused on EU policies. It was founded in 1999 by the French media publisher Christophe Leclercq. The website's headquarters and central editorial staff are located in Brussels, with offices in Paris and Berlin.