Russian forces continue to actively carry out large-scale strikes against Ukraine, using combined weapons. According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Russians are deploying missiles, glide bombs and drones to carry out effective strikes. It is indicated that these actions are aimed at identifying weak points in the Ukrainian air defense system and understanding the optimal methods of attack.
From September to December, the Russians intensively used Shahed-type drones, conducting reconnaissance and sounding missions. ISW experts claim that these actions were aimed at testing the possibilities of bypassing the Ukrainian air defense system, actually functioning as intelligence. During these experiments, rockets were also used to inflict maximum damage on targets.
According to the results of the analysis, ISW concluded that Russia intends to continue large-scale strikes against Ukraine, trying to undermine the morale of the Ukrainian population and undermine its resistance to the aggressor.
At the same time, the institute notes that the volume of Russian stocks of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as the pace of their production, do not allow the Russian Federation to carry out regular large-scale missile strikes against Ukraine. However, under certain circumstances, the aggressor can move to more consistent attacks with the help of attack drones, such as Shahed.
