Fedorov at UDCG meeting: Ukraine now intercepts 80% of missiles, 90% of drones

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said this at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at the level of NATO defense ministers, held in a hybrid format.

"We have strengthened our air defense – the interception rate of cruise missiles has reached nearly 80%, and drone interception has increased to 90%," he said.

According to the minister, between November 2025 and March 2026, the Kremlin launched 462 ballistic missiles, nearly 600 cruise missiles, and 27,000 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine.

"The goal was to destroy our energy system and leave people in darkness. But Ukraine endured," Fedorov said.

He thanked German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, UK Defense Secretary John Healey, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for participating in the meeting, as well as all countries contributing to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.

"Ukraine seeks peace. Our diplomatic efforts continue. But diplomacy works only when Ukraine is strong on the battlefield and when Russia's ability to continue this war is significantly reduced," the minister said.

Fedorov also expressed gratitude to partners contributing through the PURL initiative, including Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, and Romania for providing or committing to provide Patriot missiles.

He separately thanked Pistorius for launching the initiative, as well as the United States for enabling partners to procure the necessary interceptors.

"We are making every meter of Ukrainian land extremely costly for the enemy. Russia is now losing 254 troops per square kilometer. In the Donetsk region, the enemy loses an average of 428 troops per square kilometer," Fedorov said.

He added that Ukraine is increasing pressure on Russia's economy, particularly in the energy sector. Ukrainian military actions are disrupting logistics, raising costs, and reducing the resources available to finance the war.

"Today we will present new initiatives aimed at strengthening our cooperation – true mutually beneficial partnerships. Our key priorities remain unchanged: air defense, scaling up Ukrainian drones and missiles, and ensuring sufficient supplies of long-range artillery ammunition. Together, we will bring a just and lasting peace closer," he concluded.

Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine