In one of the most extensive drone assault, Ukrainian air defense forces successfully shot down 89 “Shaheds” and a guided air missile Кh-59 used by the Russians to attack Ukraine. This attack mirrors the scale of the drone assaults carried out by the occupiers on New Year’s Eve, January 1, 2024, according to the Air Force of Ukraine.
Russia continues its tactics of psychological intimidation of the Ukrainian population and outright forceful pressure on the Ukrainian authorities amid talk of peace. This was the seventh drone attack in July.
According to the Kyiv City Military Administration, more than 40 drones were destroyed over Kyiv and Kyiv region alone, as they moved in several waves towards the Ukrainian capital from different directions.
The fact that not a single drone hit its target is a testament to the level of skill of the Ukrainian military.
It is clear that Russia is trying to find gaps in Ukraine’s air defences by using so many drones.
Recently, there have been reports of new Russian drones and even a new modification of the Iskander missile, the Iskander-1000, which has a powerful, one-and-a-half times larger explosive. Obviously, Russia is seeking to test new developments directly in a combat situation.
In addition to traditional attacks on critical infrastructure and civilian buildings, Russia is seeking to achieve several ambitious goals. In particular, to add scale to its actions by spreading rumours of an upcoming active offensive.
Russian propagandists write that Russian troops are taking control of new settlements in Ukraine every day. This is presented as a significant tactical advantage. A narrative is being promoted about the increasing power of the Russian offensive and the lack of forces and means to stop it.
Russia is trying to take over Ukraine’s priority of using unmanned systems. It was drones that played a decisive role in Ukraine’s favour in the previous two years of the war. They are looking for gaps in Ukraine’s air and missile defences to launch a massive missile attack. The tactics of combined attacks (Russia has used them repeatedly.
At the same time, Russian officials, in particular, Russian Defence Minister A. Belousov, pretend to be extremely concerned about the threat of uncontrolled escalation, and have even informed the US side about it.
The massive drone attack on Ukraine, particularly Kyiv, is a banal revenge for the losses caused by successful attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Moscow cannot afford to show weakness in the eyes of its allies. However, the Kremlin is not concerned about the security of its allies. Once again, during the massive drone attack on Ukraine, the “Shahed” fly into Belarus.
At night, Telegram channels reported that the Belarusian authorities had even ordered fighter jets to be raised because of Russian drones that had entered Belarusian territory.
Today, Ukraine desperately needs to be reinforced, in particular in terms of air and missile defence and the provision of combat aircraft. It is also critical to ensure the protection of energy infrastructure.
To avoid falling into a Russian trap like Belarus, the West should invest more in Ukraine, both financially and militarily.
