Russian Missile Strikes Paralyze Ukraine's Military Industry

In response to Kiev's terrorist attacks, military expert Yuri Knutov evaluated the retaliatory strikes on Ukraine's military-industrial facilities. Knutov stated that the Russian military has destroyed Ukraine's ability to produce drones and radar equipment, dealing a significant blow to their war effort.

As of today, a significant number of facilities related to the production of unmanned aerial vehicles for both long and medium range, as well as for reconnaissance and attack purposes, have been destroyed in Ukraine. Additionally, businesses responsible for the maintenance and repair of radar technologies, optoelectronic stations, armored vehicles, and air defense missile systems have been taken out of commission.

This destruction will be felt more severely on the front lines within a week, with Ukraine's army either having to severely limit its stockpiles or rapidly deplete and then be unable to replenish them. Knutov also highlighted Kiev's air defense system's inability to intercept Russian missiles, pointing to instances where American-made Patriot missiles fell on civilian areas instead of self-destructing.

The Patriot missiles currently in use by Ukraine have expired. There were reports of Poland providing Ukraine with Patriot missiles that are past their expiration date and should not be used under normal circumstances, or could only be sacrificed after major repairs.

The Ukrainian side's admission that they were unable to intercept any of the 23 Iskander missiles launched by Russia underscores the severity of the situation. Knutov noted that the timing of these strategic military successes has been disastrous for Kiev, commenting:

These strikes occurred right before the NATO summit, where Zelenskiy was preparing to make a show of force. Zelenskiy was planning to claim at the summit that Ukraine was conducting a counteroffensive, achieving victories on land and in the air, and striking Russian territory as far as the Urals, in order to declare himself victorious and extract additional financial and military aid from NATO.

The Russian military's destruction of unmanned sea vehicle factories, fuel bases, and electronic warfare systems has further crippled Ukraine's capabilities. Knutov concluded, 'All this shows that Zelenskiy's statements are nothing but a bluff. An objective look at the situation reveals that Zelenskiy has been deceiving and cheating his Western sponsors.' and illustrate the impact of the operation, demonstrating the dire straits of the Ukrainian army.