Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine has successfully tested a new interceptor designed to counter Russian jet-powered drones, as Kyiv continues to strengthen its air defence and long-range strike capabilities.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi had reported on the latest test, during which the interceptor successfully struck a Russian Shahed drone, Caliber.Az reports.
Zelenskyy noted, however, that some elements of the interceptor’s control system still required refinement, meaning further testing and development would be needed.
“The work continues – it will take some more time. I thank the developers for their efforts!” Zelenskyy wrote.
The Ukrainian president said he had also discussed upcoming military operations and the country’s long-range strike capabilities with Drapatyi and Yevhenii Khmara.
According to Zelenskyy, the discussions focused on identifying priority targets, the resources required to strike them and preparations for future operations. He also thanked Ukraine’s Defence Ministry for what he described as a thorough approach to supporting the missions.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s recent long-range strikes against an oil facility supporting Russia’s war effort had produced significant results.
“The results of our long-range impact on the oil base underpinning Russia’s war are quite significant, and this is exactly what gives diplomacy the necessary potential,” he said.
He added that Ukraine remained prepared to take steps aimed at de-escalating the conflict, but said Russia would also need to demonstrate that it was acting in good faith, particularly regarding attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure.
“Ukraine is ready to take its de-escalatory steps, but our partners must ensure that Russia acts in good faith in implementing its own de-escalatory steps regarding our critical infrastructure – reliably and for the long term,” Zelenskyy wrote.
He thanked those involved in supporting Ukraine’s military operations and praised Ukrainian units for what he called their accuracy.
By Sabina Mammadli
