ABC News Daily Why Putin keeps sending drones into Europe
21 snips
Sep 28, 2025 
Max Bergmann, Director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, provides a deep dive into Russia's increasing airspace violations over Europe. He discusses the intentional nature of recent drone incursions, warns about potential escalations, and analyzes Putin's probing tactics. Bergmann emphasizes the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities and suggests coordinated military responses to deter further Russian aggression. His insights highlight the urgency for a unified European approach to security.
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Russia Is Deliberately Probing Europe
- Russia appears to be intentionally probing NATO by sending multiple drones into allied airspace rather than accidental drift.
- Max Bergmann warns 19 drones is unlikely accidental and signals deliberate pressure testing of Europe.
Probing As A Form Of Bullying
- Russian airspace violations are part of a pattern of bullying to test neighbors' responses and resolve.
- Bergmann links such probing to broader security risks reminiscent of Cold War–era tensions in Europe.
Testing Western Resolve, Not Just Borders
- Russia is testing both European and US political resolve, watching for weak responses to encourage further provocations.
- Bergmann sees muted US reactions as emboldening Moscow's probing behavior.