Zelensky: Ukraine Downs 90% of Russian Drones, Ballistic Defense Still Falls Short

Ukraine faces a critical shortage of Patriot air defence systems, and stockpiles could shrink further if the war continues, the president warned. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Patriot systems of the Defence Ground-Based Air Defense Command (DGAC) of the Dutch air defense forces prepare for departure to Poland where they will deploy to secure NATO’s eastern border airspace for six months, at Vredepeel air base on November 19, 2025. (Photo by Sem van der Wal / ANP / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine’s air defense forces are intercepting more than 90% of Russian attack drones, but protection against ballistic missiles still needs to be strengthened, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday. In a Telegram update , Zelensky said Russia launched around 1,900 attack drones, nearly 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and about 60 missiles of various types at Ukraine over the past week. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . He said the scale of attacks shows the importance of new partner contributions under the PURL programme, as well as the EU’s 20th sanctions package and a €90 billion European support package agreed in Cyprus. “Our air defence system is already showing a very high interception rate – more than 90% for drones,” Zelensky said. “We need to keep increasing this, especially against ballistic missiles.” He added that every additional air defense missile means saved lives, better protected cities, and stronger protection for critical infrastructure. In January, Zelensky said Ukraine has begun deploying a new air defence model built around small mobile teams using interceptor drones, as Russian strikes on energy infrastructure intensify. He said the Air Force is moving to a “new approach” focused on mobile fire groups, short-range systems, and drone interception units. “This system will be transformed,” he said. Pavlo Yelizarov has been appointed deputy commander of the Air Force to scale up the model nationwide, overseeing a network of mobile drone interception units. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Exploits Critical Gaps in Russian Air Defenses, Strikes Deep Targets ISW analysts say overstretched Russian air defenses are enabling increasingly long-range and intensive Ukrainian strikes on energy and military targets. Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the goal is to build an “anti-drone dome” over Ukraine – a system that destroys threats before they reach targets. He said Russia launched up to 100,000 drones in 2025, calling it one of the most intense aerial campaigns of the war and the deadliest year for Ukrainian civilians since 2022. On April 15, Zelensky said Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of Patriot air defence systems , warning that available stockpiles would shrink further if the war continues. Ahead of the Ramstein-format meeting, Ukraine agreed with Belgium and Spain to strengthen air defense capabilities and expand aviation support for the Air Force. Kyiv is also working with Germany on joint air defence projects , including the development of new laser-based weapons systems. Separately, Ukraine and Germany have agreed on a €4 billion defence cooperation package that includes the delivery of several hundred Patriot missiles. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.