Ukrainian air defences successfully downed 51 out of 136 Shahed-type attack drones launched by Russian forces on 16 October, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The drones originated from Primorsko-Akhtarsk along the Sea of Azov, as well as Russia’s Kursk and Orel regions. Ukrainian electronic warfare units reportedly disabled over 60 drones, redirecting two back into Russian airspace. Additionally, Russian forces targeted Donetsk Oblast with an S-300/400 missile and launched a Kh-59 cruise missile at Chernihiv Oblast. Mikhail Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian president’s chief of staff, expressed disappointment that Western allies have not opened a “second front” against Russia.On the same day, President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled his “Victory Plan” aimed at ending Russia’s invasion, rejecting territorial concessions and advocating for increased Western support, including NATO membership. Zelensky emphasised the need for immediate action to prevent Russia from strengthening its position, insisting that Ukraine’s sovereignty should not be traded. He called for lifting restrictions on long-range weapon usage and the deployment of a comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package in Ukraine.In response, the Kremlin dismissed Zelensky’s plan as an “ephemeral peace plan,” suggesting it is merely a facade for continued conflict. European Council President Charles Michel invited Zelensky to present his plan at an upcoming EU summit. Meanwhile, the US announced it would not deploy the THAAD missile defence system near Ukraine, citing the differing contexts of the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East conflict. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov raised concerns over the quality of ammunition used by Ukrainian forces, noting that up to 20% of munitions fail in combat, prompting the development of new procedures for disposal and reuse of defective items.
