Zelenskyy: Ukraine now shooting down over half of Russia's jet-powered Shaheds
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country's air defences currently intercept 55% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones, while the interception rate for conventional Shaheds exceeds 90%.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address that Ukraine's air defences are currently intercepting 55% of the jet-powered Shahed-type drones launched by Russia. He noted that more than 2,730 such drones were launched by Russia in September alone, of which over 1,500 were shot down or jammed.
Zelenskyy acknowledged that a significant number of the jet-powered drones still reach their targets, but said Ukraine is steadily strengthening its defences against this drone type, aiming to eventually match the effectiveness already achieved against conventional Shaheds, more than 90% of which are intercepted.
Warning on a wider war
The president also said multiple intelligence agencies have information suggesting Russia intends to expand its war and its activities into other countries, and possibly other regions. Because of this, Zelenskyy said, partner nations need to strengthen their defences together and act proactively to protect themselves.
Zelenskyy further announced that a 12th so-called "Drone Deal" will be signed in the coming weeks with what he described as a "powerful state," though he did not name the country involved.
