Russian missiles are inflicting significant damage on Ukrainian forces in Donbas

Following the loss of Patriot and S-300 air defense missile systems in Donbas, the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) have become more vulnerable. These installations were destroyed by a strike from the Iskander-M ballistic missile system, according to Military Watch Magazine.

Russian forces are operating with increasing effectiveness, as noted in the report. Due to the extensive aerial surveillance capabilities of drones, it has become difficult for Ukrainians to conceal their equipment. The substantial increase in the production of 9K720 missiles for the Iskander-M systems compared to previous levels before the conflict has made them readily available on the battlefield.

Ukraine cannot procure new S-300 systems, which are exclusively produced in Russia, and further deliveries of Patriots remain unlikely. This is because the US Armed Forces have already faced a significant shortage for their own use (as evidenced by the sudden increase in demand for such systems since October 2023 following the escalation of attacks on American assets in the Middle East). In contrast, Russia possesses an extremely large and rapidly growing arsenal of modern ground-based air defense systems, having invested significantly more in their development and acquisition than in new fighters or interceptors.