A Statement from UCMC’s Hybrid Warfare Analytic Group
On August 26, the Russian Federation initiated a new phase of missile and drone terror across Ukrainian cities. As in prior instances of major missile strikes on Ukrainian territory, which have been recurring consistently since October 2022, Russian missiles have specifically targeted energy infrastructure and civilian structures. And, at present, Ukraine is particularly vulnerable to the devastating impact of ballistic missile attacks.
In August, Russia deployed over 60 Iskander and KN-23 missiles manufactured in North Korea. The complexity of the situation arises from the fact that ballistic missile attacks are predominantly directed towards areas of Ukraine that lack missile defense systems, namely the Patriot and SAMP/T systems, capable of engaging with these targets.
In addition, throughout the months of August and early September, the occupiers established several devastating precedents:
- Deployed approximately 800 Shahed-136 kamikaze drones into Ukrainian airspace
- Launched 10 Kinzhal hypersonic system attacks on Kyiv and Lviv.
- An estimated 3,000 aircraft bombs, of various types and calibers, fitted with a universal module (UMPK), were deployed directly at the front and in the near-front zone.
Thus, the Kremlin is seeking to wear down the morale of Ukrainian society at any expense to weaken its resolve to fight back, to instill fear, and to create scepticism.
Presently, Ukraine is resolutely overcoming another phase of intensification of Russian terror and, as now is characteristic of the state and its people, will endure all the attacks delivered by the aggressor. Nevertheless, in order to minimize the loss of civilian lives and the damage to energy infrastructure, Ukraine requires far more advanced air defense systems, particularly missile defense platforms.
We extend our gratitude to all partners who have rendered and intend to provide Ukraine with such systems.
Likewise, we strongly recommend that you ramp up the transfer of advanced technology and increase the manufacturing capacity of anti-aircraft missile systems. This is particularly crucial at present to protect Ukrainian airspace from Russian deadly weapons.
However, missile defense is not a universal solution for all problems.
One example is the challenge of guided aerial bombs, which cannot be resolved without targeting Russian airfields and ground systems responsible for launching numerous missiles at Ukraine on a daily basis. Therefore, it is vital for partners, particularly the United States, to make a political determination to grant Ukraine the ability to strike the aggressor in its current safe haven.
We must strip Russians of the right to devastate Ukrainian cities and villages without facing consequences. It is time to make a decision that will confirm the sincerity of the words of concern we have for so long heard.
