The head of the Center for Military-Legal Studies, Alexander Musiienko, has recently explained why the Russian armed forces have been using drones to attack Ukraine every night, while halting their missile strikes. Musiienko’s statement has shed light on the current escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine, providing a clearer understanding of the situation.
According to Musiienko, the use of drones instead of missiles serves as a strategic move by the Russian military. By launching drones, Russia can gather intelligence on the Ukrainian defense systems and positions, without risking a full-scale conflict. This tactic has allowed Russia to gain valuable information and plan their next moves effectively.
Moreover, Musiienko argues that the use of drones also serves as a psychological warfare tactic. By constantly bombing Ukrainian territories, Russia aims to instill fear and uncertainty among the population and military forces. This strategy has been used in previous conflicts and has proven to be effective in demoralizing the enemy.
Some experts believe that the decision to pause the missile strikes in favor of drone attacks could also be a sign of Russia’s limited resources. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the economic strain it has caused, Russia may not have the financial means to sustain continuous missile strikes. However, the use of drones allows Russia to maintain pressure on Ukraine while conserving resources.
The timing of the drone attacks has also been carefully chosen. By launching them every night, Russia is taking advantage of the darkness and the cover it provides for the drones. This makes it harder for the Ukrainian defense systems to detect and intercept them. Additionally, the constant night attacks have likely disrupted the sleep and daily routines of Ukrainian military forces, further impacting their readiness and response time.
Apart from the strategic and psychological aspects, the use of drones also has a political undertone. By halting the missile strikes, Russia is projecting a facade of trying to de-escalate the situation, while still maintaining pressure and influence over Ukraine. This tactic allows Russia to appear as the more reasonable party, even though their actions have only intensified the conflict.
Musiienko also points out that the use of drones aligns with Russia’s broader military strategy. In recent years, Russia has significantly increased its drone capabilities and has been utilizing them in various conflicts, including Syria. By using drones in Ukraine, Russia is further showcasing its military capabilities and dominance in the region.
On the other hand, Ukraine has been struggling to counter the drone attacks effectively. Despite having advanced air defense systems and recently acquiring Turkish Bayraktar drones, Ukraine has been unable to neutralize the Russian drones. This has caused frustration among the Ukrainian military and the public, who are calling for a more robust response.
In conclusion, Musiienko’s explanation of why Russia has been using drones to attack Ukraine every night provides valuable insights into the ongoing conflict. It showcases the various dimensions of the conflict, from strategic and military to political and psychological aspects. As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how Ukraine and the international community will respond to Russia’s tactics.
