The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has intensified as the Russian air force continues to launch a hundred glide-bombs each day on Ukrainian positions along the 600-mile front line. These KAB glide-bombs have been described as a “miracle weapon” for the Russians, leaving the Ukrainian forces with practically no effective countermeasures.
The devastating impact of these glide-bombings has put Ukrainian brigades in a dire situation. The defense of Avdiivka, a once-stronghold in eastern Ukraine, crumbled under the onslaught of just 125 KABs a day for several days. The Ukrainian army’s 110th Mechanized Brigade, already facing a shortage of artillery ammunition due to the cutoff of aid from the US Congress, found themselves overwhelmed by the destructive power of the glide-bombs.
One trooper from the Ukrainian 3rd Assault Brigade, who witnessed the retreat of the Avdiivka garrison, described the effect of a single KAB as turning all buildings and structures into pits. The situation became even graver when a Russian drone spotted and relayed the location of a Ukrainian Patriot surface-to-air missile battery, leading to a targeted attack that destroyed two Ukrainian launchers with an Iskander ballistic missile.
Efforts to defend against the glide-bombers have been hindered by the limited number of American-made Patriot missile batteries that Ukraine possesses. With only three batteries and around three-dozen launchers, the Ukrainian air force chose to prioritize the defense of Ukrainian cities against Russian missiles rather than risking the loss of more Patriots. Consequently, the shoot-downs of glide-bombers ceased, and the bombings resumed at a rate of a hundred per day.
In hopes of overcoming the KAB crisis, the Ukrainian air force anticipates the arrival of ex-European Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters, which offer superior sensors, self-defenses, and missiles compared to their current Sukhoi and MiG fighters. However, it will be some time before these F-16s can make a significant difference, as their deployment is expected to begin in spring or summer.
In the meantime, the Ukrainian air force is left to rely on ground-based air-defenses to confront the Russian bombers. However, even these defenses are limited due to the shortage of certain types of missiles. The best Patriot missiles, mostly manufactured in the United States, remain scarce unless the Republicans provide long-delayed funding of $61 billion for Ukraine’s war efforts.
The combination of these challenging circumstances presents a difficult task for the Ukrainian defense forces to repel the aggressor and defend their territory effectively. While they await the arrival of the F-16s and seek support from international partners, the Ukrainian forces are grappling with the reality of the KAB glide-bombings that currently serve as a key strategy for Russia’s military gains.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Conflict between Russia and Ukraine
Q: What is the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
A: The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine refers to the situation where the Russian air force continues to launch glide-bombs on Ukrainian positions along the 600-mile front line.
Q: What are KAB glide-bombs?
A: KAB glide-bombs are a type of weaponry used by the Russian air force. They have been described as a “miracle weapon” and pose a significant threat to Ukrainian forces.
Q: What is the impact of these glide-bombings on the Ukrainian brigades?
A: The glide-bombings have had a devastating impact on the Ukrainian brigades, leaving them in a dire situation. The defense of Avdiivka, once a stronghold in eastern Ukraine, crumbled under the attack.
Q: How are Ukrainian forces defending against the glide-bombers?
A: Ukrainian forces have been hindered in their defense against the glide-bombers due to a limited number of American-made Patriot missile batteries. The shoot-downs of glide-bombers ceased, and the bombings resumed at a rate of a hundred per day.
Q: Are there any plans to improve the defense capabilities of Ukrainian forces?
A: Yes, the Ukrainian air force anticipates the arrival of ex-European Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters, which offer superior sensors, self-defenses, and missiles compared to their current fighters. However, their deployment is expected to begin in spring or summer.
Q: What challenges are the Ukrainian defense forces facing?
A: The Ukrainian defense forces face challenges in repelling the aggressor and defending their territory effectively. They are grappling with the devastating impact of KAB glide-bombings and the limited resources available to them.
Definitions:
– KAB glide-bombs: Russian air force weapons described as a “miracle weapon” that pose a significant threat to Ukrainian forces.
– Patriot missile batteries: American-made missile defense systems used by Ukraine to defend against attacks, including glide-bombers.
Related Links:
– Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighters
– Patriot Missile System