Warsaw Security Forum: a Shahed with Western chips, NATO's 'theory of victory' and 50,000 Russian losses in September

What is happening in Warsaw

The Warsaw Security Forum 2026 is taking place in the Polish capital on 12–13 October. According to Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky is taking part on Monday, 12 October.

A Shahed built with Western parts

On 13 October the forum will display a Russian Shahed attack drone and Western microelectronics recovered from downed Russian drones. The exhibit is organised by the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO). It says the aim is to show an international audience concrete evidence of how components made in the US, Europe and Asia end up in Russian weapons used to attack Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will hold a press conference next to the drone. NAKO is also hosting a panel, “War on two fronts: how Western technology fuels adversaries”, on how Western components reach Russia and the challenges this poses for export controls and sanctions. Participants include former US special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, former US ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter, EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan and former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace.

Grynkewich: Europe must step up support for Ukraine

NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, who is attending the forum, told Bloomberg that Europe should respond to Russian hybrid attacks — airspace violations, arson, sabotage and cyberattacks — by increasing support for Ukraine. “They are trying to break our collective will,” he said.

He cited Denmark and Germany, which increased aid to Ukraine after hybrid attacks on their territory: “These are appropriate responses that show Russia the goals it seeks are unattainable.” Last month Germany for the first time formally accused Russia of attempting an attack with an explosive-laden drone on Leipzig airport.

According to Bloomberg, Grynkewich is in Poland to present a “theory of victory” — plans for quickly defeating Russia should it invade NATO territory. The aim is deterrence. Drones and artificial intelligence, he said, should amplify advantages the Alliance already has, such as F-35 fighters. Asked about Trump’s diesel deal with Putin, the general said he focuses solely on military matters.

50,000 losses in a month

Bloomberg also reported, citing a NATO military official, that Russia’s losses in the war against Ukraine exceeded 50,000 in September, 28,000 of them killed. Ukrainian losses over the same period were around 5,000, according to the anonymous source. Russian forces are trying to advance by sending soldiers into “kill zones” saturated with drones, mines and artillery.

Why it matters for Poland and the EU

The Warsaw forum is one of the main venues where Ukraine shows Europeans that the war concerns their own security too. Evidence of Western parts inside the Shaheds Russia uses against Ukraine is an argument for tougher export controls.