Putin Found a 'Weak Spot' in Ukraine's Air Defense – Expert Assesses Risks

Russia has intensified ballistic missile strikes on Ukraine, exploiting a shortage of interceptors in its air defense. Military analyst Michael Clarke told Sky News that Ukrainian forces cannot shoot down such missiles, citing an example where 90% of drones were destroyed but all ballistic missiles reached their targets. The Kremlin, he says, aims to make winter difficult for Ukraine.

Russia has stepped up ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine, taking advantage of a shortage of interceptors in Ukrainian air defense. Military analyst Michael Clarke stated this on Sky News. In his assessment, in recent weeks Russian forces have increased the number of ballistic attacks, particularly on Kyiv, because Ukrainian forces lack sufficient means to shoot down such targets. As an example, Clarke cited a recent strike where Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down about 90% of drones, but not a single ballistic missile was intercepted, and all reached their targets. The analyst emphasized that attacks will continue as long as Russia has the capability, and that Ukraine urgently needs ammunition to intercept ballistic missiles. He also noted the use of North Korean KN-23 missiles. According to Clarke, the Kremlin intends to use a 'window of opportunity' to make winter hard for Ukraine, taking advantage of delays in Western air defense system deliveries.