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Julian Röpcke criticized European defense procurement systems after a Ukrainian drone destroyed a Russian Buk-M1 missile system over 100 kilometers away in the Zaporizhzhia region. He noted the drone's combat-proven status, operational range, and cost of 45,000 euros, in contrast to more expensive European programs.

The strike was carried out by Ukraine's 422nd Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment against a Buk-M1 deployed in occupied territory near Prymorsk, which was providing air defense for Russian troops. Röpcke's comments emphasized the importance of battlefield effectiveness over bureaucratic procurement processes.