Zelenskyy explains what Ukraine needs to protect itself from Russian glide bombs
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Patriot air defense systems, like other systems, will not be able to fight against guided aerial bombs. To combat Russian glide bombs, enemy aircraft must be destroyed, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He noted that Russia is using guided aerial bombs throughout eastern Ukraine. The occupiers launch thousands of bombs in Ukraine every month.
He noted that Russia is using guided aerial bombs throughout eastern Ukraine. The occupiers launch thousands of bombs in Ukraine every month.
"How can we fight against glide bombs? These are air defense systems. But if we take the cost and number of Patriot missiles and take bombs, we will never have thousands per month, and we will never have hundreds. Because each missile costs about $3 million. It's not just a matter of money, they simply don't produce that much," the President said.
According to the head of state, it is necessary to look for solutions to attack Russian airfields where Russian planes that drop bombs are located.
"That is why Patriot cannot fight against glide bombs, like any air defense system. In any case, you will win at short range, but at long range, they will outplay you. We need to look for a long-range solution against airfields with military aircraft that Russia uses to attack with bombs," he emphasized.
Zelensky emphasized that it is not only about the territory of Russia but also about Crimea. This distance is more than 300 kilometers. Therefore, as the president noted, HIMARS missile systems will not help in the fight against bombs or Russian aviation.
"That is, Biden's decision to give us the opportunity to hit their equipment is positive, but it does not solve the problem of destroying our cities and villages. It solves tactical issues. Strategically, this is a strategic weapon. ATACMS, which can hit at 300 kilometers, would probably help us today. I emphasize today. There are airfields where they use glide bombs, and as long as their bombs do not fly at a long distance, we can hit these airfields. But there are already airfields at a greater distance. Today, we need to be allowed to use ATACMS deep into the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy said.
Russia is actively using glide bombs
Russians are actively using guided aerial bombs against Ukraine. It was with these bombs that the Russian forces bombarded Mariupol during the defense of the city.
Now Russian aviation is dropping bombs on Kharkiv and other frontline and border settlements. The invaders are also using guided bombs at the front, dropping them on the positions of Ukrainian defenders.
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia has dropped more than 800 guided bombs on Ukraine over the past week.
