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.
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