Strikes on Kyiv: Russia will continue to "hunt" Ukrainian air defence. How many missiles does the aggressor have?

Since early May, the Russian occupiers have significantly changed the nature and approach to missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital. They are now taking a comprehensive approach to hitting the targets they have identified.

Russia is attacking Ukrainian cities from different directions and along different trajectories, trying to find gaps in the defence and bypass Ukrainian air defences.

On the night of 30 May 2023, from 11:30 pm to 4:30 am, the Russian occupation forces once again attacked Ukraine with Iranian Shahed-136/131 attack drones.

A total of 31 ‘kamikaze’ drones were launched from the north and south. The Air Force, in cooperation with the air defence of other components of the Ukrainian Defence Forces, destroyed 29 attack UAVs.

According to British intelligence, Russia has begun to use reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) more frequently in its missile attacks deep into Ukraine.

The point is that frequent long-range missile attacks deep into Ukraine's territory are likely primarily aimed at weakening Ukraine's air defences.

Indeed, the attacks are currently aimed at destroying the Ukrainian air defence system that covers Kyiv. For the enemy, it is important to inflict a reputational blow on US air defence systems and prove the effectiveness of its weapons. Apparently, one of the main targets was Patriot air defence systems.

However, the possibility of striking at the so-called "decision-making centres" should not be ruled out.

It is worth noting that the Russian occupiers will be able to use Kh-47 Kinzhal and Iskander precision-guided missiles against Ukraine for a long time. The enemy will use them in combination with other types of missile weapons and UAVs.

It is worth noting that British intelligence has confirmed that Russia lost several Kinzhal missiles in Ukraine, noting that these events were an embarrassment and a surprise for Russia, which presented the missiles as "invincible".

It is noteworthy that during the enemy's missile attack on Kyiv on 29 May, Iskander ballistic and cruise missiles were used. According to Russia's official structures, the 9M723 ballistic missile of the Iskander system has "unique characteristics". The point is that this missile is allegedly created using stealth technology and manoeuvres with an overload of 20-30G at the final stage.  In addition, it is equipped with an electronic warfare system, and during the attack, it shoots false targets. All of this, according to the Russians, made it possible to claim that the missile defences of a potential enemy could be breached.

However, it did not happen as expected. According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, all 11 missiles were destroyed.

Nevertheless, despite the success of the Ukrainian air defence system, enemy missile attacks will continue. When it comes to frontline cities, the Russians are using S-300s, of which they still have quite a few.

The enemy has up to 3,000 missiles in stock for this system, most of which, however, have served for more than 30 years and are therefore in poor condition. At the current rate of "firing" the existing missiles for the S-300, the Russian forces will have enough for years of war. Moreover, they will simultaneously solve the problem of utilising their missiles.

It is far from certain that the enemy will use Kinzhal and Iskander missiles in the amount of six or eleven units at a time.

Single launches during a complex strike, the so-called "star" attack, using various types of precision weapons - Kinzhal, Kalibr, Iskanders and others - can continue this practice.

Therefore, to calm down and say that they no longer have the capability is outright nonsense. They do have the capabilities.

The Russian Federation has exhausted a significant stockpile of missile weapons, but unfortunately, it has managed to establish their production. Russia will continue to terrorise Ukraine with missiles as long as it has the resources, so it is important for Ukraine to continue to strengthen its air defence.

Specially for Espreso

About the author. Dmytro Sniehyriov, columnist for Espreso

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.