Key Takeaways:
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlights the need for stronger air defences following numerous Russian drone attacks.
– Ukraine’s air defence units have downed 50 out of 73 Russian drones overnight, a continued onslaught that urges for upgraded defensive measures.
– In the recent week, Russia reportedly utilized over 800 aerial bombs, nearly 460 attack drones, and over 20 different types of missiles.
– Ukraine’s efforts to fend off Russian attacks in the east aim to halt gradual advances, strengthen negotiation power, and retain control over the Kursk region.
Strengthening Ukrainian Defences
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced last Sunday their need to strengthen the country’s air defences. This declaration comes as a response to the intense Russian drone attacks, with Ukrainian air defence units having to shoot down 50 out of 73 drones launched in one night. During the previous week, Russia used an array of weapons including more than 800 guided aerial bombs, about 460 attack drones, and over 20 missiles of varying types.
Zelenskyy Telegram’s statement strongly asserted Ukraine’s sovereignty, condemning Russia’s continuous attempts to “kill our people, spread fear and panic, and weaken us.”
Attack on Kyiv
In the latest night attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, more than ten Russian drones were reportedly destroyed by Ukrainian air defences. Despite the extensive drone assault, there were no immediate reports of fatalities or substantial damage caused. Explosions were heard by local onlookers, resulting from the active operation of the air defence units.
The air raid alert activated throughout the city lasted over three hours, confirming the countermoves against drones taking multiple flight routes towards Kyiv. On Russia’s side, there were no immediate comments regarding the drone attack.
Increased NATO Support
The escalating drone threats have solidified Ukraine’s focus on reinforcing air defences, a concern that has spanned over the years. NATO allies have obliged by intensifying the delivery of air defence systems to Ukraine. However, the dispersion of these pivotal systems has been rather slow, inviting more profound anxieties.
Canada disclosed on Friday that one air defence missile system purchased via American manufacturers has finally reached Ukrainian soil. This arrival comes approximately two years after it was initially ordered.
Strategic Advances in Kursk
On another front, Ukrainian forces broke through Russia’s western border into the Kursk region in early August, conquering a significant land portion. Despite Moscow’s counter-assaults reclaiming at least 40% of the territory, Ukrainian military sources reported on Sunday that Ukraine still controls about 800 square kilometres in Kursk. Furthermore, Zelenskyy expressed belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s primary objectives are to fully occupy Donbas and force Ukrainian troops out of the Kursk region.
Dealing with the Eastern Front
Ukraine’s strategic efforts to contain Russian attacks in eastern and northeastern Ukraine aim to gradually push back advancing Russian forces. However, Russian forces continue their advances in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, adding to Ukrainians’ growing concerns. Moreover, Zelenskyy perceives Putin’s constant urge to control the developments in Kursk, and believes Putin is keen on entirely driving Ukraine out of Kursk by January 20th, the inauguration day of the U.S. president.
Countermoves: Inside Russia
Trying to disrupt Russia’s logistics and supply chains, Ukraine has targeted Russian weapons, airfields, and other military infrastructure inside Russia. This move follows U.S. President Joe Biden’s green light allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles against deep-set targets within Russia.
As a result, Ukraine fired U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russian territory last week. Atlhough much remains unclear about the impact of these missile attacks, Ukraine’s determination to stand against Russian aggression is clear and unwavering.