Zelensky Says Russia Launched ‘Jet-Powered Shaheds’ During Jaishankar’s Ukraine Visit

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched jet-powered Shahed drones over Kyiv on Thursday while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was in the Ukrainian capital, alleging that the weapons were developed with Iran’s assistance.

“Today, while the Minister was here with us in Kyiv, Russia once again launched jet-powered ‘Shaheds’, which were developed not without Iran’s help,” Zelensky said in a post on X.

He said the Indian delegation remained safe as Ukrainian forces intercepted most of the drones. “Thanks to our combat aviation, the delegation was safe, because it is Ukrainian fighter jets that shoot down most of these drones,” Zelensky added.

The Ukrainian president also urged major global powers to take a stronger position against the conflict and push for a lasting peace.

“We hope that other major world powers will also take a clear stance that this war must end and that a reliable peace must be achieved,” he said.

Jaishankar meets Zelensky

Jaishankar met Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday and discussed ways to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as well as measures to deepen bilateral ties.

Jaishankar said he briefed Zelensky on his discussions with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, with the talks focusing primarily on “approaches to end the ongoing conflict.”

Zelensky welcomed the meeting and thanked India for its position in favour of ending the war.

“We are grateful to India for its commitment to ending this unjust war – Russia’s war against Ukraine. This certainly must not be a time of war. Peace is needed. This is India’s clear position,” he said.

Russian drones hit Coca-Cola plant

In his nightly video address, Zelensky also said Russian drones struck a Coca-Cola plant outside Kyiv, describing the attack as a “clear signal to America.”

“Coca-Cola is such an enemy that they set it on fire with their Shaheds. It’s a clear Russian signal to America. The Russians cannot be unaware that this is an American facility,” he said.

The Russian attack on Kyiv injured 10 people, triggered a fire and severely damaged a high-rise residential building, Reuters reported, citing Ukrainian officials.