Zelenskyy says 67 Ukrainian companies can intercept jet-powered drones on a large scale

Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine now has 67 companies capable of intercepting jet-powered drones on a large scale, highlighting the rapid expansion of domestic defense production as the country faces continuing threats from Russia.

Speaking at a joint press conference with U.S. presidential special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Zelenskyy said around 60 companies had already been involved in shooting down jet-powered drones. He gave the more precise figure as 67.

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As of today, around 60 companies in Ukraine have been engaged in shooting down jet-powered drones, destroying them on a massive scale. To be exact, the number is 67.

Three to five of those companies have so far demonstrated results, he said. They are expected to become capable of mass-producing drones soon.

Zelenskyy presented the military effort as a fallback rather than the preferred solution. “Of course, all this defence is ‘Plan B’, although it is very relevant at the moment,” he said. “Plan A” remains maximizing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation caused by Russia.

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Of course, all this defence is ‘Plan B’, although it is very relevant at the moment. ‘Plan A’ is to maximise diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation caused by Russia.