Russia Bombards Ukraine With Over 850 Shahed Drones in Relentless Day-and-Night Attack

Russian forces launched more than 850 Shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine between the beginning of October 14 and 9 a.m. on October 15, maintaining continuous aerial attacks throughout the day and overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on October 15.

In a statement on X, Zelenskyy said Russian drones had entered Ukrainian airspace in successive waves, leaving the country without a single hour free from aerial threats.

“The drones kept coming in waves, and there was not a single hour when our skies were clear of them. From midnight yesterday through 9 a.m. today, there had already been more than 850 ‘shaheds.’ We managed to shoot down some of the ‘shaheds.’ But unfortunately, there were also dozens of hits,” he said.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the large-scale attack occurred amid what he described as artificial speed restrictions affecting Ukraine's defensive capabilities.

The Ukrainian leader also accused Russia of deliberately escalating its attacks after receiving sanctions relief and observing what he characterized as attempts to pressure Ukraine.

“It is obvious that Russia deliberately chose to escalate its attacks after receiving sanctions relief and seeing attempts to pressure Ukraine. Russia exploits every such opportunity and must be held accountable for what it does,” Zelenskyy stated.

Against this backdrop, Zelenskyy urged Ukraine's international partners to adopt stronger measures aimed at ending the war and maintain consistent support for the country's defense, particularly its air defense capabilities.

He also called on Ukraine's partners, especially the United States, to take a clear position on Russia's war and support efforts to achieve a lasting peace.

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“It is important that everyone in America stand not with the aggressor, but with our efforts to protect lives, end this war, and guarantee security,” Zelenskyy said.

The latest wave of Russian attacks also comes as Ukraine has lifted its temporary restrictions on strikes against Russian energy infrastructure following a three-day pause requested by Washington.

In an October 15 interview with the Financial Times, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine was no longer observing the suspension of attacks on Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities.

“The ban has been lifted. We’ve had enough,” Zelenskyy said.

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