Title: Russia Slashes Ukrainian Strikes by 70% as Ukraine‘s Defenses Soar
In a significant development on the Ukrainian frontline, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region, there’s a clear correlation between the reduction in Russian attacks using guided bombs and the slowing of Moscow’s military advancement. According to Business Insider, Russia has dramatically decreased its use of these precision weapons, but they remain a substantial threat to both Ukrainian forces and civilians.
The drop in intensity can be attributed to several factors, including successful Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian airbases and ammunition depots during the summer and autumn, as well as Ukraine’s bolstered air defense systems. Guided bombs, which Russia has heavily employed since the war began, transform conventional munitions into highly accurate weapons. Their low radar visibility, short flight time, and unpredictable trajectories make them difficult to intercept.
Ukrainian National Guard major Yuri reports that the number of attacks has decreased by approximately 70% compared to summer levels. He cites Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian bases and possible concerns among Russian pilots due to the arrival of F-16 fighters as key factors. Moreover, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada’s National Security, Defense, and Intelligence Committee, Eгор Чернев, notes that strikes on Russian airports have forced Russia to relocate its tactical aviation deeper into its territory. This has reduced the frequency of flights and increased detection time for Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine’s effective use of electronic warfare also hampers the efficiency of Russian guided bombs, slowing Russian ground forces’ progress, as confirmed by Institute for the Study of War expert George Barros. Despite the decrease in attacks, guided bombs still cause significant damage. A Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia on January 10 resulted in over ten deaths and more than 30 injures.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented, "This once again shows what Russia really wants. They want only war and only casualties." On the frontline in eastern Donetsk, Barros observed a correlation between the reduction in guided bomb attacks and the slowing of Russian advancement over the past month to two months. He notes that Russian troops there are "very tired and very exhausted."
To ultimately mitigate the threat from guided bombs, Ukraine requires further deliveries of long-range weapons from the US and NATO. This will help keep Russian airbases under constant pressure and minimize the aerial threat. As the war in Ukraine continues, staying informed about key developments is crucial. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, over 140 enemy engagements were recorded on January 9, with the majority occurring on the Pokrovske direction. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that Russia has suffered over 700,000 military casualties in its war against Ukraine.
