Recently, Ukraine was the target of a massive missile and drone attack by Russia. Unfortunately, Ukrainian air defense systems managed to intercept only two thirds of the launched missiles and drones. This attack highlighted the need for Ukraine to seek help from its allies to better protect its cities.
The attack affected areas across the country, including Kyiv, where four people were killed and 38 others injured. The regions of Lviv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk were also affected. Ukrainian Air Force data shows that all Iskander ballistic missiles and Kh-22 cruise missiles launched by Russian forces managed to evade interception attempts.
Although Iskander missiles have been intercepted in the past, it appears that Ukraine has failed to intercept a single KH-22 in two years of war. However, Ukraine managed to shoot down 26 of 29 cruise missiles of types Kh-101, Kh-555 and Kh-55, as well as all three types of Kalibr cruise missiles and 15 of 20 Shahed drones launched by Russia.
Ukrainian forces used various means to attempt to counter this Russian attack, including air defense missiles, ground forces and electronic warfare systems. However, this morning’s success rate is lower than many missile and drone attacks in 2023, where interception rates were often above 80%.
Faced with this situation, Ukraine appealed for help from its allies to provide it with more air defense systems and to help it replenish its stock of interceptor missiles. Indeed, Russia began the new year with a series of air attacks. International analysts believe this avalanche of Russian missiles, stockpiled for months, aims to overwhelm Ukraine’s limited missile defense.
Ukraine is currently “at the edge of its capabilities” in air defense, according to Oleksiy Melnyk, co-director of international security programs at the Razumkov think tank in Kyiv. To be able to intercept more missiles, Ukraine would need additional interceptor missile batteries, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday his country is “sorely lacking.” Ukraine is currently unable to produce modern air defense systems with its partners.
This massive missile and drone attack shows the urgency for Ukraine to strengthen its air defense capabilities and receive increased support from the international community. The current situation highlights the importance of cooperation between countries to ensure regional security and stability.
In conclusion, Ukraine faces an unprecedented attack from Russia, exposing the shortcomings of its air defense systems. It is essential that the country receives additional support from its allies to strengthen its ability to repel these attacks and protect its cities. The international community must realize the urgency of the situation and provide the necessary assistance to Ukraine to face this growing threat.