Ukraine has once again proven it is Europe’s shield. In September alone, Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed more than 10,215 aerial targets, including missiles and drones, according to the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
A new top for Ukrainian air defense
Currently, Ukraine is the only country in Europe that has experience of opposing modern warfare.
During September 2025, air defense of the Defense Forces destroyed 10,215 aerial targets, the report states. Among them were:
- 1 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile
- 79 Kh-101/Kh-55SM cruise missiles
- 2 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles
- 20 Kalibr cruise missiles
- 9 Kh-59/69 air-launched missiles
- 15 Iskander-K missiles
- 2,724 Shahed drones
- 755 reconnaissance UAVs
- 6,610 other types of drones
In September, Ukrainian aviation also carried out 327 sorties—270 for cover missions and over 50 for fire strikes and troop support. As a result, 516 additional aerial targets were destroyed, along with enemy command posts, depots, and equipment.
Passive reaction to Russia’s daily terror
Meanwhile, Russia continues striking residential areas in Ukraine, using terror tactics since US President Donald Trump’s peace initiatives. Each time the American leader offered proposals to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow escalated its attacks. After the Alaska summit, the number of drone and missile attacks increased by approximately 46%.
However, Washington limited its response to statements without imposing new sanctions or approving additional aid packages.
According to the UN, Russia has already killed 14,000 civilians in the war, with additional losses in Mariupol potentially reaching 100,000 civilians. This number is growing each day.