Air Force explains Russia’s planned Shahed strikes on Ukraine
Russia’s military uses pre-planned, targeted drone strikes on Ukrainian cities to pressure civilians, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson said during the United News telethon program on March 24.
Russian forces execute meticulously planned drone attacks on Ukrainian urban centers, said Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force Command.
He noted a 2024 uptick in ballistic missile and Shahed drone strikes—the latter a cheaper alternative—aimed at both military and civilian infrastructure.
“Looking at past years’ stats, Russians always prioritize one target on, say, Monday, then shift to another on Tuesday,” Ihnat added.
“It’s all part of their planning. Our Defense Forces have to predict these moves.”
He highlighted that mass Shahed drone assaults are designed to intensify psychological strain on Ukraine’s population. While air defenses down most drones, falling debris still causes ground damage.
On March 23, a Russian drone attack on Kyiv killed three, including a 5-year-old, and injured 10, including an infant, after launching 147 UAVs.
Overnight into March 24, Russia struck with 99 drones; air defenses neutralized 57 Shaheds, with 36 decoy drones lost to radar without fallout.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
