Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that recent Russian drone incidents near Romania and other NATO countries are part of a broader pressure strategy against the alliance.

Axar.az reports, in an interview with CBS News’ Face the Nation, Zelensky said Russia is using such incidents to send a message discouraging NATO states from supporting Ukraine.

"It's not the first time he's doing such pressure. I think it's political pressure. It's messages from Russia, don't help Ukraine. I think this is the most usual meaning, what, what he used, don't - if you will - help Ukraine, (or) I will do these such steps," Zelensky said.

He stated that Moscow is also testing NATO’s air defense capabilities along its eastern flank, including in countries bordering Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus.

"He also, the testing of air defense of other countries, NATO countries, which are bordering us or bordering Belarus or Russia. So he's testing what air defense they have. Can they destroy all the- all the missiles or drones. This is what I think," he continued.

He added that NATO’s response should be stronger, and said Russia is also observing how the alliance reacts over time to such incidents.

"So Russia uses this just to attack politically and by weapon pressure on NATO countries to look at the reaction. So the reaction we- I think the reaction has to be more strong from the unity of NATO countries," Zelensky said.