**Ukraine to Boost Air Defense Capabilities Amid Intensifying Drone Attacks**
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with both sides trading blows in the skies. Despite efforts at peace talks, Russia shows no signs of ceasing its aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, leaving civilians to bear the brunt of the violence.
In a recent interview with Ukrainska Pravda, Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat highlighted the urgent need for Ukraine to strengthen its air defense capabilities in response to Russia’s relentless drone and missile assaults. The situation took a turn for the worse on June 1, when Russian forces launched an unprecedented 472 drones at Ukrainian targets overnight.
**Drone Countermeasures**
While Ukrainian forces managed to down 210 of these drones, including the Shahed-type attack drones, Ihnat acknowledged that more needed to be done. He noted that Russia had employed tactics involving high-altitude launches and large-scale attacks on single targets, which left Ukrainian air defenses struggling to cope.
In response to this new threat, Ukraine has decided to establish new air defense units specifically designed to counter drone attacks. These units will be equipped with anti-aircraft drones capable of intercepting aerial targets. The crews are being trained across the country, and new units will soon be introduced.
**Ukraine’s Military Advancements**
It’s worth noting that Ukraine has been rapidly expanding its military capabilities in recent years. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia is aiming to produce up to 500 drones per day – a staggering number that highlights the need for Ukraine to bolster its defenses. In contrast, Ukraine has more than doubled its long-range drone production this year compared to last, marking a 22-fold increase since 2022.
By the end of 2024, Ukraine had developed a total of 324 new types of weapons, according to the Ministry of Strategic Industries. These advancements demonstrate the country’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and staying one step ahead of Russia’s aggressive actions.
**The Road Ahead**
As the conflict continues to simmer, it’s clear that both sides are digging in for the long haul. Ukraine’s decision to establish new air defense units is a crucial step towards protecting its civilians from Russia’s aerial attacks. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential for international observers and news outlets like Kyiv Independent to provide accurate and unbiased reporting, shedding light on the complexities of this ongoing conflict.
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