'Putin’s hysteria': Expert cites two reasons for Russia’s massive drone attacks on Ukraine
Photo: Russian drones strike Lviv (facebook.com/kozytskyy.maksym)
Russian strike drones have been continuously attacking Ukraine since early morning. By evening, enemy drones had even reached the western regions.
RBC-Ukraine asked Territorial Defense Forces serviceman and military expert Oleksandr Musiienko about the reasons behind this heightened Russian activity and whether it could be a preparation for a large-scale strike.
Key points:
- Ukrainian forces have managed to prevent large-scale destruction.First results of the air defense “dome”:
- Compensating for frontline failures: Through aerial terror, Russia is trying to make up for the actual failure of its spring offensive.
- Revenge for oil: One of the main reasons for the attacks is Ukraine’s successful strikes on the Port of Prymorsk, which disrupt oil exports.
- Not a precursor to a missile strike: The around-the-clock drone attacks are meant to intimidate, not to prepare for a large-scale missile barrage.
Why Russia has intensified aerial terror
According to Musiienko, the around-the-clock drone attacks do not signal preparation for a massive missile strike but have two clear reasons.
First, Russian forces are unable to achieve their objectives on the front lines. Despite an increase in assaults in various directions, the aggressor is effectively failing its spring offensive.
The second reason, the expert says, is "Putin’s hysteria" over Ukraine’s successful strikes on Russian oil exports, including attacks deep inside Russian territory, notably on the Port of Prymorsk.
"It was a very successful strike that stopped oil exports through this port for a long time. It really bothers them. They decided to take advantage and export oil seriously now, but we are canceling their little celebration," Musiienko said.
That is why, according to the expert, the enemy is trying to intimidate Ukrainians by suggesting it can terrorize the country with drones around the clock.
"But this won’t last forever, because this was a concentrated attack using a large number of drones. So, of course, this is, let’s say, a temporary situation," he added.
Ukrainian air defense 'dome'
Musiienko also highlighted the high effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense in repelling today’s aerial attacks. Although a few strikes were recorded, large-scale destruction was avoided.
"Still, the consequences could have been far more devastating, but we managed to minimize the impact. This is basically the beginning of the operation of our so-called 'dome,' as promised by the Minister of Defense. Well, we can see that it is already working and delivering results," the expert concluded.
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