Ukraine shoots down over 90% of drones but faces ballistic threat, Zelenskyy says
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine's air defense forces shoot down over 90% of enemy drones, but protection against ballistic strikes needs strengthening, says President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Over the past week, Russia launched about 1,900 strike drones at Ukraine, nearly 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and about 60 missiles of various types," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to him, Russia's strikes underscore how timely the new partner contributions to the PURL program are, as well as the approval of the EU's 20th sanctions package and the €90 billion European support package in Cyprus.
"Our air defense system is already demonstrating a very high rate of drone interceptions — over 90%. And we need to work to ensure that this percentage continues to grow, not only in intercepting drones but also ballistic threats," the head of state emphasized.
The President of Ukraine also noted that every additional delivery of missiles for air defense means saved lives, better protected cities, and critical infrastructure.
Ukraine strengthens air defense
On April 15, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a critical shortage of Patriot surface-to-air missile systems. The president added that Ukraine will have even fewer weapons if the war continues.
Ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Ukraine agreed with Belgium and Spain to strengthen air defense and expand aviation support for the Ukrainian Air Force.
In addition, it became known that Ukraine and Germany are preparing joint projects in the field of air defense related to the development and use of advanced laser weapons.
Also, Ukraine and Germany agreed on a large-scale cooperation package worth €4 billion. It provides for the transfer of several hundred missiles for Patriot air defense systems to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
