Drones against Patriot and the mobilization of the Russian Federation: Zelensky’s main statements

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the massive use of drones is changing the nature of war, and traditional air defense systems are unable to effectively counter such attacks.

The president said this in an interview with the New York Post.

According to the president, thousands of Patriot missiles cannot stop tens of thousands of Iranian Shahed drones due to the significant difference in cost.

“ One such drone is 40 times cheaper than one Patriot missile . Therefore, in terms of production time and cost of missiles, it is impossible to compete with drones,” Zelenskyy emphasized .

He emphasized that Ukraine already has a developed air defense system , but it lacks the anti-ballistic capabilities that the United States has .

“ By uniting these forces, we can close the skies over any state that is under massive attack,” the president noted .

Zelenskyy drew attention to the fact that drone technologies are developing rapidly and have virtually no range limitations .

“ Today it flies 100 km , tomorrow it will be a thousand, and the day after tomorrow – 10 thousand,” he said .

The President also stated that Ukraine is ready for an equal partnership with the United States in the security sphere .

“ I would really like the US not to perceive Ukraine as a country that only asks. This is not so,” Zelensky emphasized .

He emphasized that Ukraine offers the exchange of technologies, security guarantees , and combat experience.

Separately, the president stated that Russia is changing its war tactics and increasing the production of drones.

“ Today, the Russian attack on Ukraine is 350-500 drones per day. Russia wants to reach 1,000 drones,” he said .

According to Zelensky, interceptor drones could be an effective response .

“ An interceptor drone costs 3-5 thousand dollars . That is, one “ shaheed” costs about 10 thousand dollars, and a Patriot missile costs 4 million,” the president noted .

He emphasized that Ukraine already has unique experience in this area and is ready to share it with partners.

Zelensky also emphasized that the threat of war is not limited to Ukraine.

“ The war is not as far away as we think. We need to act as quickly as possible,” he said .

The President added that without the unification of allies and the development of modern security technologies, the world risks new conflicts .

In addition , Zelenskyy provided data on the losses of the Russian army and mobilization.

“ Russia is constantly mobilizing 40,000-45,000 people per month. To contain them , we have to destroy about the same number ,” he said .

At the same time, the president stated that Ukraine seeks a peaceful resolution to the war.

“ Ukraine wants peace much more than Putin wants it ,” Zelenskyy stressed .

He also emphasized the need for active cooperation with the US to find solutions.

“ We must look for options for a peace agreement every day ,” the president concluded .