Russia Exploits Starlink Disruptions to Launch Massive Drone Barrage on Ukraine – Zelensky

Russian forces launched at least 269 drones against Ukraine overnight and throughout Wednesday, Oct. 14, killing six people and injuring 13 in the western city of Lutsk, as President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow was exploiting Starlink restrictions to intensify its attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

Speaking after talks with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London, Zelensky described the assault as one of the largest in scale.

“Russia launched 124 drones overnight alone, and another 145 during the day. And right now, there are still more than 40 ‘shaheds’ in our skies,” he wrote on X.

“They attack energy infrastructure, logistics, and railways.”

Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a significant number of the drones, but some penetrated defenses and struck their targets.

The attacks continued despite US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of an energy ceasefire.

Zelensky warned that Moscow was taking advantage of disruptions affecting Ukraine’s Starlink-dependent interceptor drones.

“It is clear that the Russians are trying to take advantage of the problems with Starlink in Ukraine, as our interceptor drones depend on this connection among other things,” he said.

Restrictions affecting SpaceX’s military-grade Starshield system have disrupted Ukrainian drone operations, although responsibility for the changes remains disputed.

Other Topics of Interest

Russian Drones Pound Kropyvnytskyi, Killing Three and Injuring Six

Russian drones struck residential areas, transport and industrial facilities in central Ukraine, damaging homes and vehicles as the attack continued.

“That is why it is especially important right now to strengthen our air defenses and provide Ukraine with everything it needs to protect lives,” Zelensky said.

Following his meeting with Burnham, Zelensky announced that Britain would accelerate deliveries of air defense weapons designed to intercept faster, jet-powered Shahed drones.

“Today, a decision was made to accelerate deliveries of British-made air defense systems to Ukraine to counter jet-powered ‘shaheds,’” he said, thanking Britain for the timely assistance.

‘Moscow must be forced to stop’

In an earlier statement following the deadly strike on Lutsk, Zelensky condemned Russia’s continued bombardment of civilian areas as a deliberate campaign of terror.

“This is intentional, permanent pressure on our people,” he said.

“Russia is once again showing what it really wants. This is a deliberate continuation of the war, in defiance of calls from the United States and the American President.”

He urged G7 leaders and other international partners to increase sanctions and military assistance rather than rely on Moscow’s willingness to negotiate.

“Moscow must not be talked into stopping – it must be forced to stop through increased pressure, sanctions, and assistance to Ukraine that enables us to protect people from these attacks,” Zelensky said.

“There must be action. Because as long as Russia does not feel sufficient pressure, it will continue to sow death.”