Russia Turns Tankers Into ‘Drone Hubs’ to Attack Europe, Seas Must Be Closed, Zelensky Says

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday accused Russia of using oil tankers to launch and control drones targeting European countries, citing intelligence reports as he called for tougher sanctions against Moscow’s energy trade.

In his nightly video address, Zelensky said Moscow’s reliance on its vast tanker fleet poses not only an economic but also a security threat beyond Ukraine.

Zelensky said:

“It is especially important that sanctions painfully hit Russia’s trade in energy resources, the entire infrastructure of Russia’s tanker fleet.

“Now there is intelligence information that Russians are using these very tankers to launch and control drones that they send against European countries.”

Zelensky argued that the latest findings underscore the need for Europe to bar Russian vessels from regional waters.

“This is yet another proof that the Baltic Sea and other seas must be closed to Russian tankers, at least to the shadow fleet,” Zelensky added.

He also urged Washington to take stronger measures, saying Kyiv was counting on “strong steps from the United States of America.”

“We talked with President Trump about what could really push Russia to change its position and stop the war. The world has tools that will truly work to bring peace,” he added.

Zelensky’s remarks come amid heightened concerns in Europe over a spate of drone sightings in recent weeks.

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Unidentified drones have been reported flying over or near military facilities and critical infrastructure in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Poland and other countries, prompting investigations and warnings of possible “hybrid” operations linked to Russia.

Danish police said “one to two drones” were observed Friday around 8:15 pm (1815 UTC) near and over the Karup military base, the country’s biggest base which houses all of the armed forces’ helicopters, airspace surveillance, flight school and support functions.

Karup is also home to parts of the defense command.

Police spokesperson Simon Skelkjaer said he could not comment on where the drones came from, adding: “We didn’t take them down.”

Mysterious drone observations across Denmark and Norway since Monday have prompted the closure of several airports.

These incidents follow drone incursions in Polish and Romanian territory and the violation of Estonian airspace by Russian fighter-bombers, which raised tensions in light of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Thursday that “over recent days, Denmark has been the victim of hybrid attacks,” referring to unconventional warfare.

Investigators have so far failed to identify those responsible, but Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Thursday the flights appeared to be “the work of a professional actor.”

Frederiksen has pointed the finger at Moscow:

“There is one main country that poses a threat to Europe’s security, and it is Russia.”