Zelensky: over 90% of drones must be shot down this autumn

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed the Defense Forces and the Ministry of Defense to ensure that more than 90% of Russian drones of all types are shot down this autumn. In an address, he said everyone involved must do their utmost to increase the ability to counter every type of Russian drone, thanking those who work around the clock on the issue.

According to the president, over just the past four days Russia used almost 1,500 drones of various types against Ukraine, around 800 of which were jet-powered. Zelensky said intercepting jet-powered drones is the most difficult task, since combat aviation currently provides the main defense against them. He added that work is underway to supply the necessary interceptors — four companies have already developed interceptor drones, with one company's equipment proving the most effective so far.

Report on explosions in Bucha district

Zelensky also said a report on the explosions that occurred on August 28 in the village of Myla in the Bucha district of the Kyiv region is expected on Monday, August 31. He expressed hope that law enforcement would present relevant information to the public and stressed the importance of quickly implementing government and local authority decisions to help affected residents.

Earlier, Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara said on August 30 that Ukraine already has four potential interceptors capable of shooting down jet-powered "Shahed" drones, which have passed field tests.