Russia now launches drones at Ukraine from Krasnodar Krai instead of Crimea.  Serhiy Zgurets’ column

Russia again attacked Ukraine with Iranian 'kamikaze' drones

On December 19, Russia attacked Kyiv city and the region with Iranian-made 'kamikaze' drones. In total, 30 out of 35 drones were shot down. This was reported by the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This is a fairly decent result shown by Ukraine’s air defense system. The enemy resumed strikes on the territory of Ukraine after receiving a new batch of 'kamikaze' drones from Iran. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, more than 250 'kamikaze' drones were delivered to Russia. What is special about the most recent attack is that the enemy moved the launch pads for these drones from Crimea to Russia's Krasnodar Krai. Secondly, this drone attack was directed specifically at Kyiv city and region, just like the previous massive missile attack. Forty out of 72 missiles were launched in the direction of Kyiv.  I think that this is a deliberate tactic. To cut the capital's power and water supply.  However, the Air Defense Forces of Ukraine stands in the way of these plans. It is also important to note that Shahed drones were launched only at night, since it makes them harder to detect.

Ukrainian air defense forces fight against Iranian 'kamikaze' drones

Our air defense forces have fought the December 19 'kamikaze' drone attacks with systems that have radar detection means. These are the Soviet air defense systems S-300 and Buk, as well as Western Nasmas and IRIS-T. Of course, shooting down 'kamikaze' drones with new Western air defense systems is not rational.  After all, this depletes our reserves for these systems. However, we still must shoot down the drones, because the damage should be assessed not by the cost of such a ‘kamikaze’ drone, but by what it can cause. Therefore, the German self-propelled Gepard systems turned out to be the most effective way to fight against Iranian 'kamikaze' drones. They can see targets at night precisely due to their radar means. To destroy a Shahed drone, the system needs a small round of ammunition.  So, a clear tactic for countering enemy UAVs has been developed.  This tactic is improving.  However, we understand that it is necessary to better it even further

Self-propelled anti-aircraft Gepard system.

Vladimir Putin's visit to Belarus: reasons and consequences for Ukraine

We will also analyze with military expert Mykhailo Samus Vladimir Putin's visit to Belarus and what consequences it may have for Ukraine.

Mykhailo Samus is convinced that Putin's visit to Lukashenko has a military aspect. In particular, the discussion may revolve around a possible ground operation launched from the territory of Belarus. According to the expert, such intentions are evidenced by the delegation members. Almost the entire military and political leadership of Russia came to Belarus. However, as the expert noted, an important fact is that Putin has visited Minsk for the first time in 3 years.  During this period, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus visited Russia several times. Therefore, according to Samus, the visit of this level is definitely organized for reasons other than some military exercises or other matters of little importance.

The self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, and the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

The expert also suggested that Putin's visit may be aimed at showing his efficiency and involvement in state control. Russian Minister of Defence Shoigu's visit to Minsk and that he might have inspected the Russian troops in Ukraine from a helicopter may have similar purposes. Also, Russian mass media disseminated information that Putin spent a day at the headquarters of the Russian military, which is participating in the "special military operation." Therefore, according to the expert, the Russian authorities are trying to create a picture that they have everything under control.  The expert emphasized that the Kremlin is trying to present Putin as a politician who still holds power and can visit the front line. The Ukrainian president's actions come into play here. The Kremlin also wants to show Putin as brave and involved in the military affairs of Russia.  It is obvious that there is some copying of the Ukrainian president going on.

Russia tries to create an image of a powerful "tsar" 

The expert also emphasized that Russia has reached a stage when European sanctions will begin to work and the economy of the Russian Federation will weaken. This factor will strongly influence the general situation in the Russian Federation. That is why Putin is trying to present himself as a powerful tsar.  However, according to the expert, it becomes more difficult day by day. Because it will be hard to unite Russians against an imaginary enemy amid an economic decline.