Putin's Provocative Joke: Russian Drones 'Don't Reach Lisbon' Amid European Tensions

Putin's Provocative Remarks on European Drone Incidents

Russian President Vladimir Putin made provocative comments during the Valdai Discussion Forum in Sochi, jokingly stating he would stop sending drones over European countries and adding that Russian drones "don't reach Lisbon." When asked humorously by a moderator why he was sending drones over Europe, Putin responded, "I'll stop doing it," and listed countries like France and Copenhagen before quipping, "Where haven't they flown yet? To Lisbon." He then turned serious, emphasizing that Russia has "no objectives in Europe" and accused EU leaders of exaggerating the Russian threat to please the United States and increase defense spending.

Escalating Drone Warfare in Ukraine and Europe

• Ukrainian drone attacks targeted a major chemical plant in Berezniki, Russia, located 1,700 km from the border, causing a brief production halt but no casualties.
• Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, using 381 drones and 35 missiles in regions like Kharkiv and Poltava, damaging critical gas production facilities.
• Munich Airport suspended air traffic due to unidentified drone sightings, leading to flight cancellations and diversions, with Bavarian authorities unable to identify the source amid suspicions of Russian involvement.

International Reactions and Security Measures

• Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced expanded cooperation with Ukraine and Israel on drone defense, including a new federal police unit dedicated to countering drone threats.
• Denmark's intelligence service warned of a high risk of sabotage by Russia in a "hybrid war," following drone incursions that closed multiple airports.
• The UN reported that the war in Ukraine has entered a "more dangerous and deadly phase for civilians," with over 50,000 casualties, including a 40% increase in 2025 compared to 2024.

Political and Economic Fallout

• Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the EU's strategy on the Ukraine war as "based on an error," citing economic impacts from sanctions on Russia.
• Russia's oil and gas revenues fell by over 20% in the first nine months of 2025, according to its finance ministry.
• Putin responded to Donald Trump's "paper tiger" comment, questioning NATO's significance and asserting Russia's strength in the conflict.

Nuclear and Energy Concerns

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is negotiating with Russia and Ukraine to restore electricity at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which has been running on emergency generators for ten days.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Russian attacks on energy structures in Donetsk, with efforts underway to restore power in affected cities.

Casualties and Journalism Risks

• A French photojournalist, Antoni Lallican, was killed in a Russian drone attack in Druzhkivka, Donetsk, with a Ukrainian journalist seriously injured.
• The Lithuanian Culture Minister resigned after refusing to answer a question on Crimea's status, citing external pressures and family safety concerns.

Missile Diplomacy Tensions

• Putin warned that potential U.S. delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would worsen Russia-U.S. relations, though he downplayed its battlefield impact.
• Reuters sources indicated that Tomahawk shipments are unlikely due to inventory constraints in the U.S. military.