Expert names possible reasons behind unusual daytime attack on Kyiv
Photo: Expert names possible reasons behind unusual daytime attack on Kyiv (Russian media)
Russian forces launched a ballistic missile strike on Kyiv during the day on July 24, which is unusual for attacks on the capital. The enemy may have shifted the timing of the attack for several possible reasons, Anton Zemliany, a senior analyst at the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation, what may have been behind today's strike in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
Key points:
- Depleting air defenses: Russia may be trying to force Ukraine to use valuable interceptor missiles during the day in preparation for a massive nighttime strike.
- Show of force: The attack could have been a political signal in response to a US delegation's visit to Kyiv or an attempt to distract Russians from strikes on targets inside Russia.
- Technical delay: The strike may have been planned for nighttime but was delayed due to technical problems.
According to the analyst, given Russia's active buildup of missile stocks, Moscow is apparently preparing another massive attack. However, he noted that a strike at midday is highly unusual for Russian forces.
Zemliany outlined three possible reasons why the attack may have occurred at this particular time:
Technical delay. Russian forces may have been preparing the attack for the night of July 23-24, but for some reason it was carried out with a significant delay.
Show of force. Russian commanders may have ordered a daytime strike based on intelligence or for political and demonstrative purposes. For example, it could have been intended to distract Russian public attention from Ukrainian strikes on Wildberries warehouses.
"Moreover, US representatives visited Kyiv the day before. And such a strike while the delegation, or at least part of it, was in the capital looks like a certain signal and a demonstration of force," the analyst said.
Depleting air defenses. According to Zemliany, this is the most likely scenario. Russia is trying to wear down Ukrainian air defenses around Kyiv and force Ukraine to expend valuable interceptor missiles during the day.
In this way, Russian forces may be preparing for a massive combined strike on the capital at night, the analyst concluded.
Daytime attack on Kyiv on July 24
At around 11:30 a.m. today, explosions were heard in Kyiv following a warning of a ballistic missile threat. Local authorities have so far reported no confirmed impacts, destruction, or damage, although medics were called to one of the capital's districts.
The attack was unusual because ballistic strikes on Kyiv typically occur at night. For example, the previous massive ballistic attack on the capital began around 1 a.m. on July 16.
Several other nighttime attacks had also taken place before that, including strikes involving S-400 missiles. In that case, the air raid alert in the capital was triggered only after explosions had already been heard.
