Fact Check: Moscow has launched 28,743 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine since February 2022.

Fact Check: "Moscow has launched 28,743 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine since February 2022."

What We Know

The claim that "Moscow has launched 28,743 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine since February 2022" originates from a statement made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an address to the Dutch parliament on June 24, 2025 (source-4). This figure aligns with reports from various news outlets, which corroborate the number of drones launched by Russia since the onset of the full-scale invasion (source-6, source-8). The Shahed drones, which are based on Iranian designs, have been a significant part of Russia's military strategy against Ukraine, particularly in targeting infrastructure (source-1).

Analysis

While President Zelensky's claim is supported by multiple reports, including those from reputable news organizations, the exact number of 28,743 should be approached with caution. The figure is based on Ukrainian military assessments, which may be subject to variations and updates as the conflict evolves. The New York Times also noted that Russia had launched an average of 34 Shahed drones weekly during certain periods, which could contribute to the overall count, but does not independently verify the specific total mentioned by Zelensky.

The reliability of the sources reporting this number is generally high, as they include statements from government officials and analyses from established news outlets. However, the context in which these figures are presented can vary, and there may be discrepancies in how different organizations track and report military actions.

Furthermore, while the claim is plausible given the ongoing conflict and the documented use of Shahed drones by Russia, the lack of independent verification or a comprehensive audit of drone launches makes it difficult to confirm the exact figure. The ongoing nature of the conflict means that numbers can change rapidly, and assessments may be revised as new information becomes available.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While the claim that "Moscow has launched 28,743 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine since February 2022" is supported by statements from President Zelensky and corroborated by various news reports, the exactitude of this figure requires further investigation. The reliance on military assessments and the dynamic nature of the conflict suggest that the number may be subject to change and should be treated as an estimate rather than a definitive count.

Fact Check: Moscow has launched 28,743 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine since February 2022.