Ukraine Intercepts 55% of russia's Jet-Powered Shahed Drones as New Countermeasures Enter Combat - en.defence-ua.com
Ukraine's air defenses now intercept over 55% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones, with rates reaching 60% and 80% reported in some instances. The country has deployed various countermeasures, including F-16 operations, expanded ammunition contracts, seven types of high-speed interceptor drones, and AI-powered robot guns. Domestic production of missiles and anti-drone turrets is also being scaled up.
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- ✓ Ukraine's air defenses intercept over 55% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones.
- ✓ Ukraine has deployed seven different types of high-speed interceptor drones.
- ✓ Ukraine is scaling domestic production of missiles and anti-drone turrets.
- ✓ F-16 operations and expanded 20mm ammunition contracts support Ukraine's air defenses.
What changed
Ukraine has deployed AI-powered robot guns to shoot down Russia's drones, further expanding its countermeasures.
Live updates
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Ukraine Intercepts 55% of Russia's Jet-Powered Shahed Drones
Ukraine's air defenses now intercept over 55% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones, with rates reaching 60% and 80% reported in some instances. The country has deployed various countermeasures, including F-16 operations, expanded ammunition contracts, seven types of high-speed interceptor drones, and AI-powered robot guns. Domestic production of missiles and anti-drone turrets is also being scaled up.
Why it matters
The Ukraine-Russia conflict has seen an increasing use of drones, with Russia deploying jet-powered Shahed drones. Ukraine's ability to intercept these drones is crucial in defending its airspace and territory. The interception rates have been improving, but the conflict remains ongoing.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine's air defenses intercept over 55% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones.
- Ukraine has deployed seven different types of high-speed interceptor drones.
- Ukraine is scaling domestic production of missiles and anti-drone turrets.
- F-16 operations and expanded 20mm ammunition contracts support Ukraine's air defenses.
- Ukraine's air defenses have intercepted nearly 60% of Russian Geran-4 jet-powered attack drones over the past three months.
- Ukraine's Shahed interception rate is rising, averaging nearly 60% over three months.
- Ukraine has developed and deployed interceptor drones against jet-powered Shahed drones.
Still unconfirmed
- Ukraine has developed five effective interceptors for jet-powered drones.
What to watch next
- Further updates on Ukraine's interception rates
- Development of additional countermeasures
- Russia's response to Ukraine's countermeasures
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (13)
- www.wionews.com — Ukraine deploys AI-powered robot guns to shoot down Russia's ...
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — Kyiv's air defenses now intercept over 80% of Russian jet ...
- www.orfonline.org — Jet-Powered Drones: A New Frontier in the Russia-Ukraine War?
- en.defence-ua.com — Ukrainian Su-27 Fighter Shoots Down russian Geran-5 Jet ...
- www.pravda.com.ua — Russia attacks Ukraine with 153 drones, 92 of them jet ...
- kyivindependent.com — With Kyiv’s air defense crews as they race to keep up with ...
- thedefensepost.com — Ukraine Develops $20K Interceptors to Counter Russia’s Jet ...
- www.businessinsider.com — Ukraine Still Downed 74% of Jet Shaheds During Starlink ...
- www.europesays.com — Ukraine intercepting more Russian Geran-4 jet-powered drones ...
- en.h.ua — Ukraine reports nearly 60% Shahed interception rate · h.ua
- www.aol.co.uk — Ukraine improves jet-powered drone interception rates, but ...
- en.defence-ua.com — Ukraine's Lasar's Group Develops Interceptor Drone Against ...
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Ukraine Deploys Seven Interceptor Drone Models to Counter Jet Shaheds
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on 17 October that Ukrainian aviation now intercepts 55% to 60% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones. This rate is supported by F-16 operations and expanded 20mm ammunition contracts. To further bridge the defense gap, Ukraine has deployed seven different types of high-speed interceptor drones and has 22 teams developing additional models. The government is also scaling domestic production of missiles and anti-drone turrets while seeking more Patriot air defense packages.
Why it matters
Russia has transitioned from piston-powered drones to faster Geran-3, 4, and 5 variants that reach speeds of 400 to 600 km/h. These jet-powered models caused interception rates to drop from over 90% to current levels. Ukraine is responding with a mix of manned aviation and autonomous drone hunters.
What is confirmed
- President Zelensky stated on 17 October that aviation intercepts 55% to 60% of reactive drones.
- Ukraine has deployed seven different types of interceptor drones to target jet-powered Shaheds.
- Ukrainian aviation uses F-16s and increased 20mm ammunition supplies to down jet drones.
- Twenty-two teams are currently working to innovate new aerial defense drones.
What to watch next
- Delivery of new Patriot air defense packages
- Results of the Freya project development
- Production scale-up of domestic missiles and turrets
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.pravda.com.ua — Ukraine scales up interceptor drones to counter jet-powered ...
- united24media.com — Ukraine Has 7 Different Drone Hunters in the Sky—and 22 Teams ...
- en.h.ua — Zelensky: new air-defence contracts and 55-60% of drones ...
- www.kyivpost.com — F-16s Down Majority of Jet Drones Amid Munition Build-Up ...
- uatv.ua — Ukrainian Aviation Intercepts Up to 60% of Russian Jet ...
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Ukraine intercepts 55-60% of Russian jet-powered drones using F-16s and AI turrets
Ukrainian aviation and air defenses now intercept 55% to 60% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones. President Zelensky attributed these rates to the use of F-16s and increased 20 mm ammunition supplies. Russia has scaled production of Geran-3, 4, and 5 variants, which reach speeds of 400 to 600 km/h. These faster drones caused interception rates to drop from over 90% for piston-powered models to the current levels in September, during which Russia launched over 2,730 drones. Ukraine is responding by installing anti-drone machine-gun turrets around Kyiv and developing the Freya project.
Why it matters
Russia converted Iranian-origin Shahed-136 drones into jet-powered variants to outrun older Ukrainian defenses. This shift led to an eightfold increase in jet-drone launches between June and August 2026. The drones specifically target Ukraine's energy grid.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian aviation intercepts 55% to 60% of jet-powered Shaheds.
- Russia's jet-powered drones reach speeds between 400 and 600 km/h.
- Ukraine is deploying AI-aimed gun turrets to counter drone attacks.
- Russia launched over 2,730 drones in September 2026.
- Interception rates for piston-powered Shaheds were previously above 90%.
Still unconfirmed
- Starlink restrictions are hindering Ukrainian interceptors used against jet-powered drones.
- The Freya project is a forthcoming defense solution against jet-powered drones.
What to watch next
- Deployment of the Freya project countermeasures
- Delivery of additional F-16 ammunition contracts
- Changes to Starlink operational restrictions in Ukraine
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.defensenews.com — Ukraine races to field faster interceptors as Russia hammers ...
- www.forcesnews.com — Russia's jet-powered drones raise stakes as Ukraine races to ...
- united24media.com — Russia’s Jet-Powered Geran Drones Are Changing the War Over ...
- drone-warfare.com — DWIM Quarterly: Q3 2026 (Jul – Sep) | Strategic Unmanned ...
- en.h.ua — Zelensky: aviation shoots down 55–60% of Russia's jet-powered ...
- ground.news — Over Half of Russian Jet-Powered Drones Downed by Ukraine's ...
- www.pravda.com.ua — Starlink restrictions hinder Ukraine's defence against jet ...
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Ukraine Intercepts 55% of Russia's Jet-Powered Shahed Drones
Ukraine's air defense systems, including AI robotic turrets, MANPADS, and interceptor drones, have successfully intercepted 55% of Russia's fast jet-powered Shahed drones. The Ukrainian military has deployed specialized interceptors to counter the increasing threat. Russia has ramped up its attacks using these high-speed drones.
Why it matters
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen an escalation in drone warfare. Ukraine's ability to intercept these drones is crucial in defending against Russian attacks. The effectiveness of Ukraine's countermeasures will be vital as winter approaches.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine intercepts 55% of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones using newly deployed countermeasures.
- Ukraine's Defense Minister reported units destroyed multiple targets using specialized interceptors.
- Quantum Systems has thousands of SPYS interceptor units ready for delivery this year.
Still unconfirmed
- Volunteer civilian defense teams and the 92nd Brigade are adapting their air defense layers as winter approaches.
What to watch next
- Further updates on Ukraine's interception rates
- Russia's response to Ukraine's countermeasures
- Delivery and deployment of Quantum Systems' SPYS interceptor units
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.aljazeera.com — Russia-Ukraine war | Russia-Ukraine war - Al Jazeera
- apnews.com — Russia-Ukraine war
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Ukraine Deploys New Tech Against Russian Jet Drones
Ukraine intercepts over 50 percent of Russia's fast jet-powered Shahed and Geran-5 drones using newly deployed artificial intelligence robotic turrets, MANPADS, and interceptor drones. Defense Minister Yevheniy Khmara reported that units destroyed multiple targets using specialized interceptors as Moscow ramps up attacks. Quantum Systems announced thousands of SPYS interceptor units ready for delivery this year to hunt the high-speed threats. Meanwhile, volunteer civilian defense teams and the 92nd Brigade scramble to adapt their air defense layers as winter approaches.
Why it matters
Russia increased its deployment of jet-powered attack drones tenfold between June and September, launching over 3,000 such units in September alone. These faster aerial weapons fly several times quicker than conventional propeller-driven Shaheds, terrifying civilian populations and straining existing defense grids. Ukraine continues scaling up production of counter-measures like the Bars and SPYS systems to bridge gaps in its multi-tiered air defense network.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine's robotic turrets using AI and machine vision have recorded their first shootdowns of Russia's jet-powered Geran-5 drones.
- Quantum Systems stated that thousands of SPYS interceptor drones are ready for delivery this year to hunt Russian jet Shaheds.
- Defense Minister Yevheniy Khmara stated that one Ukrainian unit destroyed five targets using five Bars interceptors.
- Russia increased its use of jet-powered attack drones against Ukraine roughly tenfold between June and September.
- Ukraine's 92nd Brigade intercepted a Russian jet-powered Shahed drone using Stinger MANPADS.
Still unconfirmed
- Bars interceptor drones have demonstrated a 100 percent success rate against enemy drones.
- Moscow produced nearly as many jet-powered drones in September as the 3,000 it launched.
What to watch next
- Delivery and deployment numbers for the thousands of SPYS interceptor drones promised by Quantum Systems.
- Production scaling progress and battlefield success rates for Bars interceptor drones.
- Changes in monthly launch volumes of Russian jet-powered drones heading into winter.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (12)
- united24media.com — Ukraine’s Robotic Turrets Record First Shootdowns of Russia’s ...
- united24media.com — Ukraine to Get Tens of Thousands of SPYS Interceptor Drones ...
- www.atlanticcouncil.org — Russia’s jet drones pose a security threat far beyond Ukraine
- en.defence-ua.com — Ukraine’s 92nd Brigade Shoots Down Jet-Powered Shahed Drone ...
- www.pravda.com.ua — Ukraine intercepts 126 Russian drones during massive ...
- migflug.com — Ukraine AI Turrets Down Geran-5 Drones | MiGFlug
- www.theguardian.com — ‘A life-or-death race’: the volunteers protecting Kyiv’s ...
- www.ilfoglio.it — Ukraine’s race against Russia’s new super-fast Geran drones ...
- hromadske.ua — Ukraine is getting better at stopping Russia's jet-powered ...
- www.ukrinform.net — Ukraine already has interceptor drones for jet-powered ...
- en.h.ua — Ukraine builds layered defence against faster Russian jet ...
- united24media.com — How Effective Is Ukraine’s Air Defense? September Data ...
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Ukraine Deploys Turrets to Counter Jet Shaheds
Ukraine has successfully downed the first Russian jet-powered drones using newly deployed automated gun turrets. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the deployment of over 12 automated .50-caliber turrets in areas heavily targeted by faster aerial threats, including around Kyiv. During a joint press conference with Chancellor Merz in Kyiv, Zelensky stated that Ukraine currently intercepts 85 to 92 percent of conventional Shaheds but only 50 to 60 percent of reactive ones. Meanwhile, an overnight assault involved 136 attack drones, with air defense destroying 114 units while impacts occurred at eight locations.
Why it matters
Russia's deployment of jet-powered Shahed drones creates severe defensive challenges because these faster weapons fly higher and outpace standard propeller variants. Ukraine relies on domestic manufacturing and new countermeasures to patch gaps left by interceptor missile shortages and ballistic missile pressure. Introducing AI-guided gun turrets and domestic interceptor missiles aims to build a cheaper short-range layer of air defense.
What is confirmed
- Kyiv deployed over 12 automated .50-cal turrets to counter Russia's faster jet-powered drones.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine intercepts 85-92 percent of conventional Shaheds and 50-60 percent of reactive ones.
- Russia launched 136 attack drones overnight, including 93 jet-powered Shaheds, with Ukraine destroying 114 drones and recording impacts at eight locations.
- Ukraine recorded its first successful interceptions of Russian jet-powered drones using AI-guided gun turrets.
Still unconfirmed
- The new Nika missile is intended to strengthen protection against jet-powered Russian drones.
What to watch next
- Deployment scale of additional domestic interceptor missiles such as the Nika missile.
- Performance data of the newly installed AI-guided turrets against subsequent mass jet-drone attacks.
- Production milestones for Ukraine's target of 400 high-speed interceptor drones.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- united24media.com — Kyiv Rolls Out 12+ .50-Cal Turrets to Hunt Russia’s Jet-Powered Drones
- united24media.com — Ukraine Develops New Anti-Shahed Missile as Jet Drone ...
- kyivindependent.com — New automatic gun turrets successfully down first Russian jet ...
- www.kyivpost.com — Ukraine to Deploy Small Missiles, Turrets Against Jet Drones ...
- en.h.ua — Zelensky details Ukraine's anti-drone push during Merz's Kyiv ...
- hromadske.ua — Ukraine uses AI-guided turrets to down Russian jet drones for ...
- www.pravda.com.ua — Ukraine destroys or jams 114 Russian drones overnight ...
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Ukraine Struggles With Russian Jet-Powered Shahed Drones
Ukraine faces a severe aerial challenge as Russia deploys new jet-powered Shahed drones that fly faster and climb higher than traditional propeller variants. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is testing five types of high-speed interceptor drones and aims to produce up to 400 of them to counter the threat. Interception rates fluctuate as these faster weapons outpace standard defenses. Meanwhile, ballistic missile attacks add pressure while Ukraine experiences a shortage of interceptor missiles, forcing domestic manufacturers to race toward deploying new battlefield countermeasures.
Why it matters
Traditional propeller-driven Shahed drones regularly face high interception rates exceeding 90 percent. The introduction of high-speed turbojet variants has reduced overall success rates and challenged military forces attempting to protect civilian and military infrastructure. Ukraine relies heavily on developing domestic interceptor capabilities to bridge the gap left by dwindling supplies of conventional interceptor missiles.
What is confirmed
- Russia has begun fielding a new generation of jet-powered one-way attack drones that fly faster and climb higher.
- Ukraine is testing five types of high-speed interceptor drones designed to shoot down faster Russian weapons.
- Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine aims to produce up to 400 interceptor drones.
Still unconfirmed
- Ukraine intercepts 55 percent of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones based on recent deployment data.
- Russia maintains an advantage with its ballistic missile arsenal as Ukraine runs low on interceptor missiles.
What to watch next
- Production milestones for the 400 planned Ukrainian interceptor drones
- Field performance data for the five interceptor drone types currently undergoing testing
- Changes in overall drone interception rates as new countermeasures enter active combat
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- en.defence-ua.com — Defense Express - Ukraine military industry, technology, equipment
- www.military.com — Jet-Powered Drones Outpace Ukrainian Defenses as ...
- kyivindependent.com — Ukraine aims to produce up to 400 interceptor drones as ...
- www.yahoo.com — Ukraine's air defence downs 114 out of 137 Russian drones ...
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — Ukrainian air defense shoots down over 83% of Russian jet ...
- slashnews.co.uk — Russia's Jet-Powered Drones Cut Ukraine's Interception Rate
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Ukraine Intercepts 55% of Jet-Powered Shaheds
Ukrainian air defenses intercept 55 percent of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones, marking a slight shift from previous interception rates of 57 percent as high-speed turbojet variants challenge military forces. Russia launched more than 120 drones on Monday, September 28, with the majority utilizing jet propulsion. Traditional propeller versions regularly face interception rates exceeding 90 percent. Meanwhile, domestic engineers have successfully tested new countermeasures specifically aimed at neutralizing these fast aerial threats on the battlefield.
Why it matters
The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war entered its current full-scale phase in February 2022 after Russia launched an invasion, building upon years of conflict that began in 2014. The introduction of jet-powered Shahed drones presents a distinct tactical challenge for Ukrainian defenders due to the high speeds of the new turbojet variants compared to older propeller models. Developing effective countermeasures is vital for protecting Ukrainian airspace from these high-speed aerial attacks.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian air defenses intercept 55 percent of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones.
- Russia launched more than 120 drones on Monday, September 28, with the majority utilizing jet propulsion.
- Conventional propeller versions face interception rates over 90 percent.
- Domestic engineers have completed successful tests on new countermeasures designed specifically to target these fast-moving aerial threats.
What to watch next
- Deployment and battlefield results of the newly tested countermeasures against jet-powered Shahed drones
- Changes in the proportion of jet-powered versus propeller-driven drones in future Russian aerial attacks
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- kyivindependent.com — The Kyiv Independent — News from Ukraine, Eastern Europe
- www.bbc.com — Ukraine War | Latest News & Updates| BBC News
- www.aljazeera.com — Ukraine | Ukraine | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- en.wikipedia.org — Russo-Ukrainian war - Wikipedia
- en.wikipedia.org — Ukraine - Wikipedia
- www.kyivpost.com — Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - Kyiv Post
- liveuamap.com — Ukraine Interactive map - Ukraine Latest news on live map -...
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Ukraine Intercepts 57 Percent of Russian Jet Shahed Drones
Ukrainian air defenses intercept 57 percent of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones, facing a stark drop in effectiveness compared to older propeller models. Russia launched more than 120 drones on Monday, September 28, with the majority utilizing jet propulsion. While conventional propeller versions face interception rates over 90 percent, the high-speed turbojet variants create major operational difficulties for Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, domestic engineers have completed successful tests on new countermeasures designed specifically to target these fast-moving aerial threats, according to reports from the battlefield.
Why it matters
The introduction of jet-powered propulsion by Russia marks a significant technological shift in long-range drone attacks against Ukraine. Traditional air defense systems struggle with the higher speeds of these upgraded loitering munitions compared to older propeller-driven models. Ukrainian forces must rapidly adapt their tactical responses and field new interceptor technologies to prevent saturation of their airspace.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine stopped 57 percent of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones as of September 28, 2026, according to TechTimes.
- Russia attacked Ukraine with more than 120 drones on Monday, September 28, with most of them being jet-powered, as reported by newsukraine.rbc.ua.
Still unconfirmed
- Ukrainian engineers have successfully tested the first countermeasures and shot down targets against jet-powered Shahed drones.
What to watch next
- Deployment scale and combat results of the newly tested Ukrainian jet-drone countermeasures
- Future interception metrics for jet-powered Shahed attacks compared to propeller variants
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.techtimes.com — Ukraine Stops 90% of Propeller Shaheds but Only 57% of Jet Ones; Russia Designed It That Way
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — Zelenskyy reveals Ukraine's interception rate against Russian ...
- www.ukrinform.net — 'Magyar': Ukrainian engineers successfully test jet-powered ...
- en.defence-ua.com — Ukrainian Air Defense Shows Interceptions of Jet-Powered ...
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Ukraine Intercepts 55% of Jet-Powered Russian Shaheds
Ukrainian air defenses now intercept or suppress 55 percent of Russia's fast-moving jet-powered Shahed drones, shooting down more than 1,500 units since September. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported the milestone as new countermeasure systems enter combat to counter thousands of incoming aerial attacks. While conventional propeller drones face interception rates exceeding 90 percent, the high-speed turbojet variants pose a severe operational challenge. Kyiv has accelerated domestic development of dedicated interceptor systems and plans future deals to scale up defenses against these evolving aerial threats.
Why it matters
Russia deployed thousands of high-speed turbojet drones that fly twice as fast as older models, prompting urgent adaptation from Ukrainian forces. President Zelenskyy noted that Russia plans to spend $12 billion on jet-powered drones and loitering munitions next year. The dramatic increase in aerial bombardments includes thousands of drones, guided bombs, and missiles fired weekly across Ukrainian territory.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine intercepts or suppresses 55 percent of Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Ukrainian forces have shot down or suppressed more than 1,500 jet-powered Shahed drones since September.
- Ukraine neutralizes over 90 percent of conventional propeller-driven Shahed drones.
- Russia used more than 2,730 jet-powered Shahed drones against Ukraine in September.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia plans to spend $12 billion on jet-powered drones and loitering munitions next year.
What to watch next
- Deployment of additional interceptor systems aimed at increasing defense effectiveness to over 90 percent against jet-powered Shaheds
- Finalization and execution of planned drone deals by Ukrainian authorities
- Fluctuations in the monthly volume of Russian turbojet drone and missile barrages
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (12)
- Business Insider — Russia's once-rare turbojet drones that fly twice as fast are now attacking Ukraine by the thousands
- Ukrinform — ADF neutralizes 134 Russian drones used to attack Ukraine
- The Kyiv Independent — Russia plans to spend $12 billion on jet-powered drones, loitering munitions next year, Zelensky says
- Українська правда — Ukraine intercepts over half of jet-powered Shahed drones, Zelenskyy says
- en.defence-ua.com — Ukraine Intercepts 55% of russia's Jet-Powered Shahed Drones as New Countermeasures Enter Combat
- kyivpost.com — Russia Fires 2,200 Drones, 1,650 KABs, 38 Missiles at Ukraine in a Week as Zelensky Calls on China, India
- ukrainetoday.org — Ukraine Intercepts 55% of Russia's Shahed Drones: New Measures
- en.defence-ua.com — Ukraine Intercepts 55% of russia's Jet-Powered Shahed Drones ...
- www.pravda.com.ua — Zelenskyy: Ukraine intercepts 55% of jet-powered Shaheds ...
- united24media.com — Ukraine Now Neutralizes 55% of Russia’s Jet-Powered Shahed Drones, Zelenskyy Says — UNITED24 Media
- unn.ua — Ukrainian interceptors are already shooting down more than ...
- www.europesays.com — Ukraine Now Neutralizes 55% of Russia’s Jet-Powered Shahed ...
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