Ukraine's air force command reported today that Russia attacked the country with 138 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), along with Iskander-M ballistic missiles, Kh-31P anti-radar missiles, and Kh-35 anti-ship cruise missiles. Odessa and Sumy provinces were the primary targets. The command did not specify the number of each missile type or the total weapons deployed. Ukrainian air defense shot down 112 UAVs, but the enemy struck 16 locations, with debris falling at two sites. This implicitly acknowledges a failure to intercept any Russian missiles during the attack.
Ukraine stopped reporting the number of Russian missiles deployed from 9/8, though it still noted the total number of munitions in its 9-10/8 bulletin. A source familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Ukraine's air force command altered its reporting format, stating it was a "security measure to respond to Russian attacks". However, the source did not explain how this change would affect air defense operations.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the same day that it continued to attack port infrastructure and cargo ships suspected of supporting the Ukrainian military, as well as fuel and lubricant depots in Odessa port.
In an announcement the day before, Ukraine's air force command also did not specify the number of Russian missiles used in the attack, only stating that the enemy launched Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles, Iskander-M tactical ballistic missiles, and 120 UAVs.
Russia is intensifying missile attacks on Ukraine, as Ukrainian air defense depletes its Patriot ammunition and struggles to defend against ballistic missiles. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on 8/8 that Ukraine reached an agreement with the US for monthly Patriot missile supplies, but did not specify the quantity of ammunition to be delivered.
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A Patriot launcher at an undisclosed location in Ukraine in 8/2024. Photo: Reuters |
The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed on 11/8 that Russia is adjusting its priorities in long-range weapon manufacturing. It focuses on types that can more effectively penetrate Ukrainian air defense systems and exploits Ukraine's depleted interceptor ammunition.
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Features of the Patriot system. Graphics: RTX, RIA Novosti |
Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (GUR), stated in an RBC Ukraine interview published on 10/8 that Russia's production of key missile types exceeds planned targets by approximately 10-40%. Some models, like the Kh-35 missile, even reached 200% of their targets. For Zircon hypersonic missiles and Oniks supersonic anti-ship missiles, Russia met its annual production goals in just 7 months, producing 33 and 60 munitions respectively.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Reuters, RBC Ukraine)
