Russian Forces Intensify Missile and Drone Strikes on Ukraine
Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine with a relentless wave of missiles and drones, adopting new tactics in its ongoing aggression
On Saturday, Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine, the fourth of its kind since December 29. The assault involved 40 attack weapons, including various types of missiles and drones, raising concerns about Moscow's intentions to overpower Ukraine's air defense. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the Russian assault included cruise, aeroballistic, ballistic, aircraft, anti-aircraft guided missiles, and strike UAVs.
Ukraine's air force successfully intercepted eight missiles and utilized electronic warfare countermeasures to prevent over 20 air attack weapons from reaching their targets. Air raid warnings and defenses were activated nationwide, with impacts reported in various regions including the city of Chernihiv in northern Ukraine and Dnipro in the east.
Missile fragments from an enemy missile caused damage to unoccupied civilian residential buildings in Chernihiv, according to the police. "Fortunately, no one was injured," the police wrote on Telegram.
The local mayor stated that there were no civilian casualties in the area due to previous damage. According to Serhii Lysak, the head of Dnipropetrovsk region military administration, there were incoming hits in the city of Dnipro.
Lysak wrote on Telegram that they are currently assessing the damage from the strikes, with a focus on the safety of the people. Fortunately, everyone is safe. These attacks on Saturday mark the fourth largest since Russia began large-scale barrages across the country on December 29.
Changing tactics
Analysts say the recent onslaught of Russian missiles aims to overload Ukraines limited missile defense.
Ukraine managed to shoot down 18 out of 59 missiles in the previous attack on January 7. Additionally, the Russian army has incorporated new tactics into its aerial campaign by painting their Iranian-made drones black to blend in with the night sky.
Another strategy, as shared by a Ukrainian unit with CNN, involves relocating the engine exhausts of certain drones from the rear to the front, aiming to disorient anti-air batteries equipped with thermal sights.
During a press conference with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that the country is lacking comprehensive air cover.
"We are in need of Patriot systems and systems of varying ranges. Progress is being made, and we have agreed on something new. However, we still lack appropriate systems, particularly for combating ballistic missiles," stated Zelensky. As anti-air missile stocks dwindle, Ukraine has been using mobile firing groups for air defense against drones.
"Their crucial role as the primary unit responsible for neutralizing enemy UAVs cannot be overstated. Their efforts are vital in preserving our limited supply of guided anti-aircraft missiles, especially in the face of large-scale attacks," commented Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat, following the deployment of 29 Iranian Shahed UAVs last week.
