Russian Missile Attacks Intensify on Ukraine
Ukrainian military officials have reported that air defense sirens were sounded across Ukraine as Russia launched missile attacks on western Ukraine and other areas. According to a report on the website of the French weekly “Viewpoint,” this recent attack on January 2nd marked the largest air strike since the beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The Russian military has been consistently launching hundreds of missiles towards Ukraine since December 2023. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhne reported that 99 missiles attacked Ukraine on the morning of January 2nd, with 72 of them intercepted and shot down by the US “Patriot” air defense system. The Ukrainians, however, were not unprepared for an air war, having received “Scap”-EG cruise missiles from the United Kingdom and France in the summer of 2023.
The contrast in air combat power is significant, with Russia possessing various types of long-range cruise missiles, while Ukraine has a more limited arsenal. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has advocated for providing Ukraine with long-range missiles to strengthen its defense capabilities.
The large-scale use of missile attacks by Russia is a result of its ground strategy, as the Russian forces on the Eastern Front were making slow progress. The goal of these attacks is to spread tension and limit the Ukrainian army’s ability to use air defense systems effectively.
Moving forward, reports suggest that Ukraine will be receiving US-made F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, which will provide greater defense and attack capabilities for Ukraine. However, the ongoing conflict underscores the need for Ukraine’s allies to provide significant amounts of weapons and equipment in the coming months and years.
As the situation escalates, it is clear that Ukraine’s defense capabilities will need to be strengthened in order to counter the ongoing missile attacks from Russia.
Editor: Zheng Zongmin