Russiahas stated that the Cold War has ended and a 'passionate' confrontation with the West is currently taking place.
A reporter questioned Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova during a press conference about whether the country is experiencing a second Cold War with the West, with a new Iron Curtain emerging due to the large number of drones being used on Ukraine's battlefronts.
Zakharova clearly remarked: "I disagree with the analogy to the Cold War. We are already experiencing a different type of conflict."
There has not been any cold for a long period; there is already heat present here.
The conflict in Ukraine, the most severe in Europe since World War Two, has led to the largest clash between Russia and the Western world since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Although certain attempts at peace have been undertaken, with Russian dictator VladimirPutin meeting US president Donald Trump in Alaskaslightly less than two months ago, during discussions, conflicts between the Kremlin and the West have escalated.
Although negotiations continue, Russian forces have achieved major gains in Ukraine. It is alleged that Russian drones are operating within NATO airspace, and Washington is now seriously evaluating direct involvement in the conflict by launching strikes deep into the world's largest nuclear power.
Zakharova, when questioned regarding European claims that Russia has entered NATO airspace, conducted sabotage activities, and hacked critical facilities, stated that these baseless allegations indicated the EU and NATO were planning 'provocations' against Moscow.
"All of their statements suggest – first, that they are planning a series of provocations. Second, that they aim to justify their military expenditures," Zakharova stated.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden, leaders from Western Europe, and Ukraine describe the conflict in Ukraine as an imperial-like territorial expansion and have consistently pledged to overcome Russian troops.
President Vladimir Putin frames the conflict as a pivotal turning point in Moscow's interactions with the West, claiming that Russia was disrespected following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 when NATO expanded and moved closer to what he views as Moscow's area of control, such as Ukraine and Georgia.
It follows that French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Europe to adopt a stronger approach towards Russia by shooting down drones entering European airspace and inspecting vessels from the shadow fleet that illegally transport oil, aiming to cut off Moscow's war funding.
At a European summit held in Copenhagen, Macron and other European leaders advocated for increased sanctions on Russia, particularly focusing on its energy industry, and highlighted that Ukraine is at the forefront of an expanding hybrid conflict against Europe.
Certainly, the stances of several European leaders regarding the ongoing drone incidents, acts of sabotage, cyber-attacks, and violations of sanctions seem to have become more rigid after two days of discussions in Copenhagen, including a private meeting among them without the use of phones or advisors.
President Macron called on the over 40 leaders attending the European Political Community summit to safeguard their own interests without revealing their plans to Putin.
"I believe the primary response should involve greater unpredictability and more strategic ambiguity," he stated.
It is crucial to convey a clear message: drones that breach our territories are taking a significant risk. They can be destroyed, without any further discussion," he stated. "We are not here to issue a complete warning. We will take the necessary actions.
President Macron highlighted a decision by French authorities to intercept an oil tanker listed on the European Union's shadow fleet sanctions, and to detain two of its crew members, as a practical approach. Naval experts suggest the vessel may have been associated with drone flights over Denmark.
He mentioned that Russia supports '30 to 40% of the war effort' through the secret fleet.
Macron stated that by taking control of the vessels for a week or two, "we completely disrupt the organization's effectiveness. Therefore, the shadow fleet is an excellent target if you aim to enhance our efficiency and decrease these capabilities."
He mentioned that the same vessel was inspected by Estonian officials in March.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who organized the summit following multiple drone incidents at Danish airports and military installations, stated: 'It should be evident to all now, that Russia will not cease until they are compelled to.'
She mentioned that Russia is "a threat not only to Ukraine but to everyone. Today, our main objective is clear. We must ensure our shared Europe is strong enough that a war against us is inconceivable, and we need to accomplish this immediately."
Frederiksen cautioned her allies that Europe "can no longer afford to be naive. The conflict was never solely about Ukraine. It concerns Europe itself. Every nation, every citizen, our principles, and our liberty are at stake."
Following the meeting, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, "Putin must not underestimate our resolve. There is indeed a strong unity and a solid determination to face this aggression collectively, and for that I am very thankful."
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on leaders to discard any 'illusions' they may hold regarding Russia's goals. He mentioned that Poland has consistently faced Russian intimidation, particularly highlighted by a significant drone breach last month.
Poland has promised to destroy Russian drones that penetrate its airspace.
The first illusion remains that there is no war," Tusk stated, addressing those who describe the conflict in Ukraine as a 'full-scale aggression' or employ other softened terms. "No. It is war. A new form of warfare. Highly intricate, but it is war.
Another misconception, Tusk stated, is "that it's impossible for Ukraine and all of us to prevail in this conflict. That's ridiculous. The sole Russian benefit, the only one, lies in mindset. We are significantly larger than them," in terms of economic strength and population, he mentioned.
Tusk, whose nation shares boundaries with Belarus and Ukraine, stated: "We are aware that if they triumph over Ukraine, it will also mark the end of my country and of Europe in the future. I have no uncertainties."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to increase economic pressure on Putin.
"The economic pressure is making a difference, and we must keep it up. Applying more sanctions, focusing especially on energy and the shadow fleet," Starmer stated before departing the summit early to go back to the U.K. following an attack near a synagogue in Manchester, England.
It is also crucial to place 'Ukraine in the most powerful position possible,' which entails increasing air defense systems, extending long-range (missile) and anti-drone capabilities that should be provided to the nation, which is now in its fourth year of conflict, Starmer stated.
Read more- Can the UK's Foreign Secretary's bold trip to devastated Kyiv spark a strong response to Putin's open drone attacks?
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