The Business Press – July 04, 2023 at 05:00PM
On Tuesday, Russian air defenses successfully intercepted a drone attack on Moscow, forcing the temporary closure of one of the city’s international airports.
This latest assault comes in the wake of a recent counteroffensive launched by Ukraine, a campaign marred by minefields, anti-tank ditches, and other formidable obstacles. While Russia has managed to slow Kyiv’s progress, experts believe that this ongoing conflict will persist, with both sides employing increasingly sophisticated tactics.
The drone attack on Moscow is the first known assault on the Russian capital since the failed mutiny led by mercenary commander Yevgeny Prigozhin 11 days ago. Four out of the five attacking drones were successfully downed by Russian air defenses on the outskirts of Moscow, while the fifth was electronically jammed and forced down.
Prompt actions led by Russian authorities, including the temporary restriction of flights at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport, ensured minimal disruption and reported no casualties or damage.
While Ukrainian officials have refrained from directly confirming their involvement in the drone attack, it follows previous daring strikes on the Russian capital, suggesting a deepening intensity in the conflict. In recent days, Ukrainian forces have been continuously probing Russian defenses in the south and east, aiming to push back the encroaching occupation.
Oleksiy Danilov, Ukraine’s Secretary of Security and Defense Council, claims their campaign has been fruitful, targeting Russian equipment and personnel. Independent verification is currently unavailable.
Moscow’s forces have adopted refined tactics to impede Ukrainian armored counteroffensive operations in southern Ukraine, according to the United Kingdom’s Defense Ministry. Utilizing anti-tank mines and layered defensive lines, spanning up to 20 kilometers in some areas, Russia aims to slow the Ukrainian advance.
This strategy leaves the attackers vulnerable to Russian drones, helicopters, and artillery, despite key weaknesses such as overstretched units and a shortage of artillery munitions within the Russian arsenal.
While Ukraine’s counteroffensive shows promise, experts predict that it will not bring an immediate end to the war that began when Russia initiated a full-scale invasion in February 2022. Meanwhile, Russia continues its missile and drone barrage deep behind the front lines, resulting in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscores the need for increased air defense capabilities to protect against further Russian raids.
The recent drone attack on Moscow emphasizes the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia. As both sides employ advanced tactics and strategies, the conflict shows no signs of reaching a swift resolution.
The engagement of anti-tank mines, layered defenses, and unmanned aerial systems adds complexity to the ongoing military operations.
The Business Press 