On 2–4 October, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia might shift the focus of its large-scale attacks to jet-powered drones. According to him, Russia is also stepping up strikes on infrastructure, whilst Ukraine is simultaneously deploying its air force, testing interceptor drones and drawing up resilience plans for Kyiv.
Briefly about the main points
- Zelenskyy suggested that Russian attacks using jet-powered UAVs might intensify.
- The President announced that Russia had carried out strikes on bridges, data centres and mobile communications networks.
- According to his estimate, F-16s and MiGs shoot down around 50–60% jet drones.
- Ukraine is testing five models of high-speed interceptor drones.
Statements regarding changes in the nature of the attacks
In the statement Zelensky said that Russia might place greater emphasis on the widespread use of jet-powered UAVs. This is the President’s assessment of Russia’s possible future tactics, rather than a report of a confirmed Russian plan.
The President also stated that Russian forces are attacking bridges, data centres and mobile communications infrastructure. In his view, the aim of such attacks is pressure on the residents of Kyiv and other cities, to force them to leave.
Aviation and interceptors
According to the President, F-16 and MiGs are shooting down around 50–60% jet-powered UAVs. The President cited this figure as an assessment of the effectiveness of combat aviation operations, rather than as independently verified combat statistics.
In an interview, Zelenskyy announced that five models of high-speed trains were being tested interceptor drones. He emphasised that the results varied depending on the day: the figures recorded during the tests ranged from approximately 30% to 70%. On 4 October, the president named «Barsy» as the most effective model and estimated its performance at approximately 30%.
Ammunition and Kyiv’s resilience plans
Zelenskyy stated that 20-mm ammunition is being used to counter jet-propelled targets. Ukrmedia had previously reported on the rapid depletion of these stocks. On 1 October, the National Security and Defence Council reported that Ukraine is coordinating with its partners on the implementation of agreements regarding ammunition for the F-16s and missiles for air defence.
The National Security and Defence Council mentioned Germany, Norway and Finland in the context of such agreements. Zelenskyy also named Poland among the countries providing assistance in this regard; however, this does not constitute confirmation that all these states have already completed their deliveries of ammunition.
Separately, on 4 October, Zelenskyy announced that the Ministry of Defence and local authorities were preparing alternative plans in the event of serious damage to the capital’s infrastructure. This is part of Kyiv’s resilience planning in the event of possible attacks.
