Russians save on Kalibr missiles - Defense spokesperson explains reasons
Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for the Southern Ukrainian Defense Forces (photo: Getty Images)
Russian occupants have started to use fewer Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles during the massive shelling of Ukraine. In particular, this is due to enemy logistics, says Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for the Southern Ukrainian Defense Forces.
According to the spokesperson, the occupiers can equip missile launchers in Sevastopol. The port of Novorossiysk, where the Russian Black Sea Fleet is mainly based, is not yet able to do so.
"We understand that they have to carry out maintenance of missile carriers and missile launchers, including reloading of Kalibr, in Sevastopol. So far, they have not established such logistics in Novorossiysk, where the entire fleet is based, and this means that they have to take risks by bringing missile-carrying ships, in particular, to the basing points where they no longer feel so calm," she said.
Humeniuk notes that the occupiers are trying to avoid taking risks and prevent ships from entering Sevastopol.
The spokesperson also does not rule out that the Russians may shift their focus and strike with Kalibr missiles rather than air-launched missiles.
"In addition, we understand that this may be a cost-saving measure related to the reorientation of hostile actions in the future. If there is a fairly systematic terror using air-launched missiles, sea-based missiles may be preferred in some of the attacks," the speaker added.
Massive shelling of Ukraine on February 7
Yesterday morning, the occupiers fired missiles at Ukraine from strategic aviation. Our air defense system shot down a total of 44 enemy targets, including 15 drones that the Russians had launched since the evening of February 6. Our air defense also destroyed all three Kalibr missiles launched by the invaders.
Against the backdrop of the missile attack, Poland sent its aircraft into the sky, and the spokesperson for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yurii Ihnat, noted that the missiles were maneuvering in the western regions of Ukraine, including the Polish border.
Kyiv came under a missile attack, a high-rise building caught fire as a result of the attack, and there were power outages. Strikes were also recorded in Drohobych, Mykolaiv, and Dnipro region.
Read more about the consequences of the massive attack in RBC-Ukraine's article.
