Ukraine says Russia has increased use of jet-powered drones

Russia's use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly jet-powered drones, has increased compared with previous months, Ukrainian Air Force Command official Yurii Ihnat told Report's Eastern Europe bureau.

"The use of these drones, particularly Banderol drones, has also increased," Ihnat said. He noted that the growing use of UAVs equipped with turbojet engines makes Ukraine's air defense efforts more difficult.

According to Ihnat, such drones can primarily be intercepted by ground-based systems, including anti-aircraft missiles, or by aircraft using air-to-air missiles. He added that mobile fire groups also have some capability to engage them, but this creates an additional burden.

Regarding ballistic missiles, Ihnat said Ukraine's stock of Patriot system missiles is declining and that the remaining reserves are being used. He said Ukraine is holding daily talks and consultations with the United States and other countries over missile supplies.

Ihnat also stressed the need to establish joint production and partnerships for ballistic missile defense, including the joint production of Patriot systems and PAC-3 missiles in Ukraine or partner countries.

He said such capabilities are urgently needed to protect Ukrainian cities and strategic facilities from Russian strikes.