President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russia has launched a new escalation with relentless drone attacks against Ukraine and has no intention of slowing them down. In many towns and communities, the sense of alarm is virtually constant due to the threat posed by jet-powered drones. He called for a stronger response and for the joint production of air defence systems with Europe to be accelerated.
Briefly about the main points
- Concerns in many communities show little sign of abating due to Russian attack drones.
- Zelenskyy described the attacks as a new escalation by Russia.
- The President called for a stronger response to airborne threats.
- Anti-missile and anti-drone air defence has been identified as a priority.
- The European Commission has already launched a framework for cooperation between the EU and Ukraine on drones.
Jet-powered drones pose a long-term threat
Zelensky stated that Russia had not «taken a break», but had instead found a new way to escalate the situation. According to him, such attacks require a stronger response and countermeasures.
Public statistics do not allow for a separate assessment of the number of cases in which the measure was applied jet drones or the effectiveness of their interception. At the same time, the Ministry of Defence reported that in July, Russia deployed over 9,000 attack drones and missiles against Ukraine, not including reconnaissance UAVs.
The EU and Ukraine are developing joint production of defence systems
The President emphasised that Europe must step up the production of defence equipment — particularly anti-missile and anti-drone systems AIR DEFENCE. In his view, a self-sufficient and strong Europe will be able to defend itself and its way of life.
In July, the European Commission launched the EU–Ukraine Drone Alliance. The initiative involves the joint development and production of drones and counter-drone systems, as well as the establishment of joint ventures and the acceleration of the roll-out of next-generation technologies.
