Ukraine's biggest defense gap: over 92% of Russian ballistic missiles hit their targets
The Kremlin's recent offensive on Kyiv, which killed about 20 people, has exposed one of Ukraine's most pressing military vulnerabilities: air defenses that fail to intercept the vast majority of incoming Russian ballistic missiles. Analysts say the gap reflects a shortage of advanced interceptor systems.
The Kremlin's recent offensive on Kyiv, which killed about 20 people, has laid bare one of Ukraine's most pressing military vulnerabilities. Analysis of the attack found that more than 92% of the Russian ballistic missiles launched at the capital hit their targets.
Experts say the gap stems from Ukraine having only a limited number of advanced interceptor systems capable of countering ballistic missiles, which travel far faster than cruise missiles or drones and are correspondingly harder to shoot down.
Ukrainian officials continue to press Western allies for additional Patriot batteries and comparable air-defense systems. Analysts warn that without closing the gap, civilian areas will remain exposed to future strikes.
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