The problem of a shortage of air defense systems has led to an increase in Russian aerial bombardment of civilian areas near the front line, which may have serious consequences for the city of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region. This conclusion was made by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to military experts, Russian troops used aerial bombs for tactical effect during the capture of Avdiivka in mid-February. Russia appears to be using this strategy again in new operations near Chasvoy Yar.
Analysts note that the Russian strikes have forced Ukraine to make difficult decisions between protecting large population centers from the rear and active areas on the front line. Russia appears to be trying to damage Ukraine's energy grid and limit Ukraine's defense potential by exploiting Ukraine's weak air defense system.
Sparse and insufficient air defense coverage along the front led to increased Russian strikes with guided and unguided glide bombs. The Russian military used this approach tactically during the capture of Avdiyivka in mid-February 2024, and it appears that they are using it today in new offensive operations near Chasy Yar.
Earlier it became known that Ukraine has a shortage of missiles for Patriot and Iris-T air defense systems. Bild expert Julian Röpke said that Russia "destroyed most of the other stocks" of Ukrainian air defense.
Ukraine has identified one hundred free Patriot air defense systems in the world and hopes to quickly negotiate the purchase of seven additional Patriot batteries.
The Parliament of the European Union refused to fund the Council of the EU due to the inability of the EU countries to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems.
