Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba compared the success of Israel and its allies in thwarting a massive Iranian missile and drone attack to what Ukraine could achieve against Russian aerial barrages with more support. Ukrainian officials have been urging Western allies for additional air defense systems to counter the extensive damage caused by Russian attacks. Kuleba emphasized the importance of allies providing necessary support, stating that Ukraine would handle the rest of the job. The recent Russian aerial campaign targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and other targets has caused significant damage, prompting pleas for more air defense systems as the war enters its third year.
Israel’s defense system, supported by the U.S. and Britain, successfully prevented serious damage or casualties in Sunday’s attack by Iran using over 300 drones and missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also highlighted the effectiveness of real defense in the face of such attacks, urging allies to provide the necessary support. Russia’s recent attacks, including nearly 130 exploding drones, over 80 missiles, and almost 700 guided aerial bombs, have added to Ukraine’s challenges. Zelenskyy has requested additional Patriot systems from allies to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
The Institute for the Study of War noted key differences between the challenges faced by Israel and Ukraine, highlighting the proximity of Russian forces launching drones and missiles from within occupied Ukraine and Russia itself, giving Ukrainian air defenders little time to respond compared to Israel. The scale and improved accuracy of recent Russian attacks have raised concerns among Ukraine’s defenders, with Moscow using better intelligence and tactics to target Ukraine’s power grid and economy. Ukraine is also facing shortages of ammunition and troops, with the military chief warning of a significantly deteriorated battlefield situation in the industrial east.
The delay in House approval for a U.S. aid package that includes approximately $60 billion for Ukraine is a major obstacle to receiving more air defense supplies. House Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged to push the package forward this week. The exhaustion of U.S.-provided air defenses due to the delays in military assistance, combined with advancements in Russian strike tactics, has allowed the Russian strike campaign in Ukraine to become more effective. The Kremlin forces have been exploiting gaps in Ukraine’s air defenses, seizing the battlefield advantage.
The success of Israel and its allies in countering Iranian attacks serves as a model for what Ukraine could achieve with increased support from its partners. Ukrainian officials are urging Western allies to provide more air defense systems to mitigate the damage caused by Russian aerial barrages. The Institute for the Study of War highlights the challenges faced by Ukraine in responding to Russian attacks, including improved accuracy and tactics employed by Moscow. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to defending their country and have called for additional support to bolster their capabilities on the battlefield.
