---
title: "Massive Drone Strike: Zelenskyy Reports 850 Shaheds Launched in 24 Hours"
description: "Since the beginning of the day, Russia has launched over 850 Shahed drones at Ukraine. Zelenskyy reported dozens of impacts and linked the attack to sanctions relief and Starlink limits."
date: 2026-10-15T14:20:57.502Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/massive-drone-strike-850-shaheds-zelenskyy
tags: [ukraine, russia-war, shahed-drones, zelenskyy, starlink, air-defense]
author: "Marina Slivenko"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Massive Drone Strike: Zelenskyy Reports 850 Shaheds Launched in 24 Hours

![Firefighter in protective gear extinguishes a large fire at a drone crash site](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/15/massirovannyj-udar-dronov-850-shahedov-zelenskij/massirovannyj-udar-dronov-850-shahedov-zelenskij-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Over 850 Shahed strike drones recorded within a 24-hour period
- Kirovohrad region hit by nearly 360 drones in the largest strike of the war
- President linked escalation to sanctions relief and Starlink communication limits
- Authorities urge international partners for decisive support and sky protection

Since the beginning of the day, a record number of Shahed-type strike drones has been recorded in Ukraine's airspace, with the total number exceeding 850 units. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the attack continued continuously throughout yesterday and the night, while the country's skies remained unprotected from constant waves of raids.

### Scale and Consequences of the Night Raid

According to the head of state, the massive assault resulted in dozens of direct hits on infrastructure facilities across various regions of the country. In particular, Kirovohrad Oblast suffered the largest attack since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, with nearly 360 drones targeted at the region. Meanwhile, energy infrastructure was also damaged in other areas, and short-term power outages were recorded in Rivne and surrounding districts, although local authorities managed to quickly restore power supply in the regional center.

### Leadership Stance on the Causes of Escalation

The Ukrainian President linked such a massive escalation of airstrikes to Russia receiving sanctions relief and attempts to artificially limit the speed of Ukraine's defensive capabilities, including issues with Starlink satellite communications. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the aggressor takes advantage of any moments of weakness and external pressure on Kyiv to increase strikes against peaceful cities.

### Response to International Support and the Need for Strong Decisions

In his address, the Ukrainian leader urged international partners to be honest and consistent regarding the termination of the conflict. Special attention was paid to the position of the United States, where, according to the Ukrainian side, support should be aimed exclusively at protecting human lives and ensuring long-term security rather than playing along with the aggressor.

### Significance of Escalation for the Course of the Conflict

The new wave of large-scale strikes demonstrates a shift in the tactics of Russian forces, who use massive raids to overload air defense systems. Amid the record number of drones in the sky, Ukrainian authorities insist on the need for decisive measures by Western allies, including lifting any restrictions on defensive capabilities and strengthening sanctions pressure on Moscow to prevent similar attacks in the future.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [РФ устроила непрерывную атаку из-за ограничений Starlink, в небе было 850 "Шахедов", - Зеленский](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/rf-vlashtuvala-bezperervnu-ataku-cherez-obmezhennya-1792056013.html) - Official report by RBC-Ukraine and presidential statements regarding drone numbers and Zelenskyy's remarks.
- [РФ устроила непрерывную атаку из-за ограничений Starlink, в небе было 850 «Шахедов» — Зеленский](https://telegrafua.com/news/rf-ustroyla-nepreryvnuiu-ataku-yz-za-ohranychenyj-starlink-v-nebe-bylo-850-shakhedov-zelenskyj/) - Additional confirmation of the Ukrainian president's statements concerning massive Shahed drone attacks.

## FAQ

### How many drones were recorded in Ukraine's skies?

Over 850 strike drones were recorded from the beginning of the day until the following morning.

### Which region suffered the most from the current attack?

Kirovohrad region suffered the heaviest blow, targeted by nearly 360 drones.

### What does the Ukrainian leadership blame for this massive escalation?

The escalation is linked to eased sanctions against Russia and artificial limits on Ukraine's defense capabilities.