Zelenskyy Reveals Secret Drone Factories Amid Ongoing Russian Strikes

• •Zelenskyy revealed 10 drone factories built without state knowledge, affecting domestic production.
• •Ukraine can produce 2,000 interceptor drones daily but lacks funding for full capacity.
• •Russia is intensifying strikes on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, complicating defense efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that approximately 10 interceptor drone production facilities have been established without state oversight, potentially undermining Ukraine's domestic production capabilities. These factories, located globally, have reportedly sold 1,000 interceptor drones for $3.5 million to an unspecified country. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine could produce up to 2,000 interceptor drones daily but is limited by funding for only 1,000. He highlighted that a European nation had also purchased interceptors lacking warheads, prompting requests for additional operators from Ukraine. Concurrently, Zelenskyy noted that Russia is intensifying its winter strikes on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, targeting water supply and logistics systems. He reiterated the importance of securing financing to enhance Ukraine's aerial defense capabilities, which are seen as a cost-effective alternative to Western missiles. The situation underscores the challenges faced by Ukraine's defense industry amid ongoing conflict.