ISW reports reduction in Russian use of glider bombs and airstrikes in Southern Ukraine

This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

On December 24, Colonel Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Air Force, stated that Russian forces have scaled back their use of glider bombs and airstrikes in southern Ukraine.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets noted that Russian forces are restricting the use of manned aircraft near occupied Crimea, particularly in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.

The ISW's preliminary assessment suggests that Russian forces might be intensifying the use of cruise bombs against Ukrainian forces on the right bank of the Dnipro, possibly in response to Ukrainian suppression of Russian long-range artillery in the region.

Analysts point out that a further decline in Russian glider bomb strikes in the Kherson region could afford Ukrainian forces greater freedom of movement in near-rear areas on the western bank of Kherson and a more secure position on the left bank for potential future operations as determined by higher command.

The report indicates that Russian forces utilize glide bomb strikes to keep their aircraft 50 to 70 kilometers behind the battle line. The reduction in Russian glide bomb use suggests concerns about Ukrainian air defense capabilities following recent losses.

• On the evening of December 24, Ukrainian military forces successfully destroyed a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber during an enemy attack in the direction of Mariupol.