Ukraine and its allies need to focus their efforts not only on intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, but also on destroying the facilities where they are manufactured, as well as the launchers in Russia. To do this, Kyiv needs Western weapons and intelligence to accurately guide strikes against targets. This information comes from Glavkom, citing an editorial in the Financial Times.
The War Is Shifting to the Air
After more than four years of intense fighting, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia is increasingly shifting to the air. On the front lines, the presence of drones and sensors has complicated maneuvers. Although ground combat remains fierce and bloody, it has largely become static.
Ukrainian and Russian forces are increasing the number of missile and drone attacks in an effort to wear each other down. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized in an interview with the FT last month that the battle in the air will be decisive in this war.
Ukrainian Successes in the Air
One of the most notable developments this year has been the effectiveness of Ukrainian strikes at medium and long ranges. Ukrainian forces are delivering precise strikes against Russian military targets in Crimea and along the logistics routes connecting the occupied peninsula with Russia. This makes it more difficult for Moscow to defend and resupply these territories.
Kyiv is also actively using precision long-range drones and missiles to strike targets within Russia’s defense-industrial complex, oil refineries, and warehouses. According to the Financial Times, Ukraine now has the opportunity to build on this advantage with the support of its Western partners and put pressure on the Russian leadership.
