Strike on Sumy: Ukraine needs strategic solutions to defend against Shaheds — aviation expert

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"The number of Shahed drones used by Russia against Ukraine has significantly increased. Previously, they deployed up to 400 units per month; now it's about 1,200. We face the necessity of enhancing air defense capabilities, for instance, by increasing the number of air defense systems and electronic warfare systems.

Putin claims that the production capacity of drones is increasing. They are trying to establish technological groups to conduct certain developments. Therefore, we need a strategic solution, particularly involving long-range strikes on Russian production facilities. It's time to engage more actively with our Western partners about reducing Russia's potential through strikes on their territory. No air defense, even with all Air Forces siding with Ukraine, can protect against such a Russian onslaught of drones," Khrapchynskyi stated.

Moreover, Russia is actively modernizing its drones. They already have Starlink for communication, noted the aviation expert.

"Russians can use them not only as strike drones but also for gathering information. We have deprived them of their eyes by disabling radar systems like the A-50 and long-range detection systems, which allowed them to see most of Ukraine. Subsequently, we started working against their reconnaissance drones with anti-aircraft drones, and this is also proving successful. However, it's essential to understand that the amount of weapons used by Russia, including the guided bombs they deploy daily in Kharkiv, Sumy, and now Zaporizhzhia, can only be eliminated through strategic solutions - specifically, strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation, targeting production facilities and warehouses," he concluded.

• On the morning of Saturday, September 28, Russian troops attacked a healthcare facility in Sumy twice. The attack killed at least 9 people and injured 12 others, including police officers.