The shortage of air defense systems has led to an increase in Russian airstrikes on civilian areas near the front line, which could have serious consequences for the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region, according to the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to military experts, Russian forces used aerial bombs for tactical impact during the capture of Avdiivka in mid-February. It appears that Russia is again using this strategy in new operations near Chasovye Yar.
Analysts say the Russian strikes have forced Ukraine to make difficult decisions between defending large populated areas in the rear and active areas on the front lines. Russia appears to be trying to damage Ukraine’s energy grid and limit Ukrainian defense capabilities by exploiting Ukraine’s weak air defenses.
Sparse and insufficient air defense coverage along the front has led to an increase in Russian strikes with guided and unguided glider bombs. Russian forces used this approach tactically during the capture of Avdiivka in mid-February 2024, and it appears that they are still using it in new offensive operations near Chasiv Yar.
Earlier it became known that Ukraine has a shortage of missiles for the Patriot and Iris-T air defense systems. Bild expert Julian Röpke stated that Russia “destroyed most of the remaining stocks” of Ukrainian air defense.
Ukraine has identified one hundred free Patriot air defense systems in the world and hopes to quickly agree on the purchase of seven additional Patriot batteries.
The European Union Parliament refused to fund the Council of the EU due to the failure of EU countries to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems.
