Ukraine has warned that Russia could unelash a staggering 1,000 drones in just one night after launching a record barrage overnight. Moscow has massively intensified its drone production since the war began over three years ago, putting Kyiv and neighbouring countries on high alert for future attacks.
A senior Ukrainian defence source called for increased aid in the form of defence systems and missiles to repel strikes and target Russian logistics. They told The Mirror: “Intelligence suggests Russia is increasing its drone production and this is a huge concern. We need defensive systems and greater supplies of offensive missiles to push back Russian troops in depth, behind their lines and targeting their logistics. At this rate, Russia is increasing its overnight attacks trying to leverage any settlement and could fire 1,000 drones in one night if this continues.”
This comes after Vladimir Putin’s forces launched a record 728 drones and 13 missiles across Western Ukraine last night, just days after its previous record of 550.
Key targets of the bombardment, which mainly used Iranian-designed Shahed drones, were Lutsk and Ternopil.
Ukrainian air defences shot down 296 drones, while another 415 were lost from radars or jammed. Seven of the missiles were also destroyed.
Volodymyr Zelensky said the barrage showed the need for “biting” sanctions on Moscow, and secondary sanctions “on those who buy this oil and thereby sponsor killings”.
He said: “This is a telling attack – and it comes precisely at a time when so many efforts have been made to achieve peace, to establish a ceasefire, and yet only Russia continues to rebuff them all.
“This is yet another proof of the need for sanctions – biting sanctions against oil, which has been fuelling Moscow’s war machine with money for over three years of the war.”
In response, Poland scrambled its fighter jets and put its armed forces on the highest level of alert. A statement from Warsaw’s armed forces command said all available forces and resources were activated.
It added: “Duty fighter pairs were scrambled, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems reached the highest state of readiness… The measures taken are aimed at ensuring security in areas bordering the threatened areas.”
