We need more air defence systems after largest drone attack of war, insists Zelensky
Ukraine's President Zelensky claims 267 Russian drones were launched in the largest, single, coordinated attack since being invaded.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said the drones launched overnight was "a record for a single attack" since the invasion began nearly three years ago.
Up to 138 were intercepted by Ukraine's air defences while 119 were "lost" without causing damage, he said in a post on Facebook.
Figures reveal a small number are likely to have passed through Ukraine's defences.
Emergency services in the country reported that three people were injured in a drone attack in the Odessa region and a residential building was also damaged.
President Zelensky released a statement condemning the attack, thanking responders who repel "such attacks on a daily basis" and said "we must do everything possible to bring a lasting and just peace to Ukraine".
Posting on X, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said: "Overnight, occupiers launched 267 Shahed drones at Ukraine—it's a record number of UAVs since the start of the full-scale invasion. Ukrainian air defenders shot down 138 UAVs. Countermeasures by EW [electronic warfare / jamming] resulted in the loss of 119 drones. Ukraine needs more air defense systems!"
The Russian defence ministry has also claimed that its forces have downed a number of Ukrainian unmanned drones.
It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reassured President Zelensky Britain has "ironclad support for Ukraine", ahead of his meeting with President Trump this week.
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