The United Kingdom will accelerate deliveries of air defence systems to Ukraine to counter jet-powered Shahed drones. The decision comes amid intensified Russian aerial attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the decision following a meeting in London with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, during which they discussed Russian aerial attacks and problems with Starlink.
During the meeting, the Ukrainian president briefed the British prime minister in detail on Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities, civilians and critical infrastructure.
Overnight into October 14, Russia launched 124 drones at Ukraine, followed by another 145 during the day. At the time of Zelenskyy’s statement, more than 40 Shahed drones were still detected in Ukrainian airspace.
Energy infrastructure, logistics facilities and railways came under attack. A significant proportion of the drones were shot down, but some strikes hit their targets. Zelenskyy described the assault as one of the largest in terms of scale.
The president also linked the intensity of Russian attacks to problems with the Starlink satellite communications system, on which Ukraine’s interceptor drones largely depend.
“It is obvious that the Russians are trying to take advantage of the problems with Starlink in Ukraine, because the operation of interceptor drones depends heavily on this connection,” Zelenskyy said.
Against this backdrop, Ukraine and the United Kingdom agreed to accelerate deliveries of British air defence equipment.
“Today, a decision has been made to accelerate the delivery of British air defence systems to Ukraine to counter jet-powered Shahed drones. I am very grateful for such timely and much-needed assistance,” the president said.
Zelenskyy thanked Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the British government, the people of the United Kingdom and King Charles III for their support of Ukraine.
