The percentage of successful interceptions of Russian drones and missiles by Ukrainian forces has decreased, ABC News reported, citing data from the Ukrainian Air Force.
Of the 5,312 drones of all types launched into Ukraine last month, Ukrainian defenders shot down just under 80%. The drone interception rate in October is the lowest so far in 2025. The rate was over 90% at the beginning of this year and about 85% in August and September.
Russia is increasingly managing to bypass Ukrainian air defenses and seriously damage critical infrastructure.
The reasons for the decline in the interception rate are unclear. According to the report, experts suggest several reasons: Russia has significantly increased the number of its attacks, while Ukraine is increasingly running out of ammunition.
On the other hand, the weather may also play a role, as poor visibility makes it difficult for mobile air defense systems to operate. In addition, many Ukrainian air defense units are deployed at the front, which weakens defenses in the interior of the country.
Russia is increasingly focusing its attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine. Energy facilities, in particular, are becoming prime targets for Moscow. With the onset of winter, the situation for the civilian population is worsening.
Protection from Russian attacks is becoming increasingly expensive for Ukraine. According to ABC, one interceptor missile for modern systems such as the American Patriot costs up to four million dollars. Russian drones, on the other hand, are considerably cheaper, costing between $10,000 and $20,000.
To save costs, Ukraine is increasingly investing in electronic warfare and its own drone technology. However, Russia is also constantly improving its attacks, for example by using drones with anti-jamming technology and jet propulsion.
Russian attacks are increasingly taking a toll on civilians. According to the ABC, at least 214 people died in Russian attacks in September, and almost 1,000 were injured. By comparison, there were 58 deaths in August. Experts say that regions outside Kiev are poorly protected and therefore more severely affected.