Zelensky: Ukraine Intercepts 70% of Drones, 57% of Reactive; 9 Dead Across Country

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on the evening of September 28, 2026 that Ukraine's general drone interception rate currently stands at 70%, while the rate for reactive Shaheds — the faster, harder-to-hit type — is 57%. He acknowledged the reactive interception figure is still too low and that new interceptors are actively being tested.

Scale of the Day's Attack

Russia launched a massive drone attack on September 28. By 18:30, the Ukrainian Air Force reported 124 strike UAVs had been used, including 86 reactive drones, along with Gerber, Banderol/Dan-T, and other types. Over the entire day, more than 120 drones were involved, 90 of which were reactive types.

Human Toll

Nine people were killed in different regions of Ukraine on September 28, Zelensky confirmed. Among the strikes: a reactive Shahed hit the National Academy of Sciences building in Kyiv, killing one person. As of the evening, one person was still being searched for under the rubble. Zelensky said developers are being pushed to speed up work on improved interceptors.