Russia’s latest attack on Kyiv, which occurred on Thursday, was exceptionally deadly, killing at least 30 people and making it the third deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since the start of the war. The attack was carried out using a combination of ballistic missiles, loitering munitions, and jet-powered drones.
Use of Jet-Powered Drones
The use of jet-powered drones, such as the Geran-4 UAV, has become a relatively new addition to Russia’s arsenal, having been first spotted around the start of the year. These drones can fly at speeds of up to 500 kilometers per hour, evading Ukraine’s defenses and requiring ground-to-air missiles or fighter jets to be shot down.
According to Yurii Ihnat, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, the enemy is using these drones more and more frequently, which depletes Ukraine’s resources. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated that Russia’s use of jet-powered drones is yet another example of Moscow using tactical and technological innovations in drone systems to maximize civilian harm during strikes on Ukraine.
Ballistic Missiles and Intercepted Attacks
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported that more than 90% of cruise missiles and 90% of Shahed-type strike drones were intercepted during the attack. However, the ministry also stated that it is facing a persistent shortage of missiles for its Patriot batteries, which has been made worse by the conflict in Iran.
The ministry sent letters to nearly 40 countries asking them to provide Patriot missiles from their existing stocks as soon as possible, in exchange for future deliveries already contracted for Ukraine. The ISW believes that Russia was preparing Thursday’s attack for some time, stockpiling drones and missiles for it in June.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
