Zelenskyy reveals what Ukraine needs to stop massive Russian drone attacks
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine needs roughly 1,600 interceptor drones to take down 800 Russian UAVs. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country must respond to Russian attacks in kind at the Yalta European Strategy Conference (YES).
The president noted that regarding long-range weapons, there was a time when the US and other partners hesitated to supply them. However, Ukraine developed its own capabilities.
"Today, we have our own long-range capabilities. We lack funding. Is this a question for Trump? It’s easier to say this is a question for America, but it is a question for everyone," Zelenskyy said.
According to Zelenskyy, destroying 800 Russian Shahed drones requires roughly 1,600 Ukrainian interceptor drones.
"For 800 Shaheds per day over Ukraine, we need 1,600 Ukrainian interceptors. Each interceptor costs $3,000. This is the solution to stop the Shaheds. Now, if Russia wants to fire 800 tomorrow, we would need to send them a thousand of our drones in response. We respond at one-tenth the scale. That's the answer," he explained.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine must mirror Russia's actions.
"This needs to happen today. Why today? We are shooting down Shaheds with interceptors. They already have jet engines on their drones. We need new interceptors. Tomorrow, they will find another weapon. We must respond in kind and with strength," the president added.
Massive Russian attacks
Recently, Russian forces carried out a massive combined attack on Ukraine on the night of September 7. The enemy launched a record 810 drones and 13 missiles.
In Kyiv, more than 10 locations sustained damage, including four residential high-rises. The attack caused casualties and left dozens injured.
Notably, President Zelenskyy previously set a task for drone manufacturers to achieve the capability of deploying at least 1,000 interceptor drones per day.
The UK has also announced that it will produce and jointly develop advanced military equipment with Ukraine, including interceptor drones.
