Ukraine shoots down over 90% of Shahed drones and is preparing a response to Russian ballistic missiles, Zelenskyy says
Kyiv • UNN
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine’s defense industry needs to scale up the production of drones and long-range systems. The President called for creating protection against Russian ballistic missiles.

Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex has significantly expanded its capabilities over the years of the full-scale war; however, the production of drones, long-range weapons and systems to counter Russian ballistic missiles must be increased. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this on August 24 during his address to Ukrainians on the occasion of Independence Day, reports UNN.
According to the Head of State, tens of thousands of ground robotic systems are already carrying out dangerous missions at the front and have helped save the lives of thousands of Ukrainian servicemen. At the same time, Ukraine continues to develop naval drones and long-range strike systems.
"In reality, our DIC today is a giant that forges independence 24/7. And we have to do more. Tens of thousands of GRSs are carrying out extremely dangerous missions at the front and have already saved thousands of soldiers. Our naval drones are in action: the enemy had a fleet — it is becoming scrap. But we have to sink more. Our long-range capabilities are cutting into their profits," Zelenskyy said.
He noted that thousands of Ukrainian long-range strikes had already been carried out against facilities on the territory of russia.
"Thousands of our deep strikes have already been seen by moscow, tula, ryazan, omsk, and dozens more locations that our Ukrainian justice has already reached. Russia must see more of this justice. "Flamingos" must not be a rare species but a common bird. They must spend the winter in russia," the Head of State emphasized.
He also thanked the employees of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex who have been expanding defense production over the past four years.
The President separately emphasized the need to find an effective response to Russia’s use of ballistic missiles. According to him, Ukraine has repeatedly found solutions to threats that initially appeared extremely difficult.
Remember the day when 40 "Shaheds" first flew toward Kyiv. Some shouted that it was the end, while others searched for and found solutions. Now we shoot down 90% or more of the "Shaheds". russia has switched to jet-powered ones — we are already shooting them down too, but we have to do this on a massive scale
He added that Ukraine must find a similar solution against Russian ballistic missiles.
A solution against its ballistic terror must be found, and this gamble of its must not pay off. Ukraine will do it. Because it has already proved more than once: our stubbornness is beyond their caliber
Flamingos should be a common bird and winter in Russia - Zelenskyy24.08.26, 09:43 • 4546 views
We remind you
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day in a video address.