Following another massive Russian strike on Kyiv and the region, the issue of Ukraine’s defense against ballistic missiles has resurfaced.
Russian Ballistics. / © TSN.ua
After another large-scale ballistic attack by Russia, the question of Ukraine’s defense against this type of missile has become more pressing. Its main danger is the extremely short flight time, which leaves very little time for reaction.
Military expert and flight instructor Roman Svitan discussed what could fundamentally change the situation on the airwaves of “24 Kanal.”
He explained that the use of cluster warheads poses an additional threat, significantly increasing the risks for civilians. At the same time, Ukrainian air defense systems currently cannot provide coverage for the entire territory of the country. It is likely that Ukraine needs to prepare for potential new missile attacks from Russia. According to Svitan’s assessment, the country’s own long-range weapons, which would create inevitable consequences for the Kremlin, are capable of deterring such strikes.
“Until we have ballistics capable of reaching Moscow and doing to it what Russians are doing to Kyiv, they will continue to mock Ukraine. For Russia, Moscow is the main decision-making point,” the expert explained.
Svitan emphasized that the new military leadership, including generals Yevhen Khmara, Mykhailo Drapatyi, and Ihor Skybiuk, must make the development of the missile program one of the key priorities – ensure necessary funding and accelerate work on domestic systems. After all, Ukraine has relevant developments. That is precisely why, the expert stressed, it is not about creating from scratch, but about moving to scaling and launching serial production. He suggested that this program should be operational within three to four months, at the latest by the end of the year.
In parallel, Ukraine is awaiting British ballistic missiles. According to Svitan, these are weapons with a warhead of about 200 kg and a range of 500-600 km. However, until such capabilities are available, Ukrainians will have to continue dispersing and reacting with extreme caution to air raid sirens.
How Long to Live Under Ballistics
Svitan stresses that it is impossible to quickly cover the entire territory of Ukraine from such attacks, even with the supply of additional PAC-3 missiles. They will only be sufficient to cover specific areas. However, most regions will continue to remain at risk. Obtaining ready-made long-range weapons from partners is also difficult, as significant American stockpiles were depleted due to the war in the Middle East.
“Currently, we do not have the ability to influence the enemy symmetrically or asymmetrically. Until we can reach Moscow, we will have to disperse, evade strikes, and constantly be ready to take cover,” Svitan explained.
The greatest danger is posed by ballistics with cluster warheads. The expert calls the use of such weaponry against urban areas “pure terrorism, designed to kill as many civilians as possible.”
According to Svitan, after the emergence of Ukraine’s long-range response, Russia is unlikely to abandon this tactic immediately. In his forecast, the connection between strikes on Ukraine and consequences for the Russian Federation will have to be demonstrated for at least several months, so Ukrainians should remain particularly vigilant for about another year.
As a reminder, on the night of August 5, during a combined strike, the Russian Federation used four “Zircons,” 24 “Iskanders,” and various types of drones. However, **not a single missile managed to be shot down**. There were impacts from missiles and 17 attack UAVs at 26 locations.
The President emphasized that Ukraine faces a shortage of air defense means and interceptor missiles. In the first half of 2026, the volume of supplies for air defense missiles decreased threefold compared to the same period last year. At the same time, partners have the necessary stockpiles of weapons, but the transfer of these missiles to Ukraine depends on the adoption of relevant political decisions.
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