WSJ: Russia changes its attack tactics to wear down Kyiv

Jet-powered Geran drones are changing the rhythm of life in Kyiv, where air raid alerts have sounded almost around the clock in recent days. The faster drones, described as an improved version of the Shahed, have made Ukraine’s air-defense task more difficult and marked what The Wall Street Journal calls a new phase in Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Before this summer, air defenses around Kyiv and other cities often shot down about 90% of the older propeller-driven drones. Yuriy Ihnat, head of the communications department of Ukraine’s Air Force, said the share of jet-powered drones reaching their targets is now much higher. In some attacks, he said, they account for as many as two-thirds of the drones. “Russia’s tactic now is to exhaust Ukraine and Ukrainians, first of all our people,” Ihnat said.

“

Russia’s tactic now is to exhaust Ukraine and Ukrainians, first of all our people.

The Wall Street Journal reported that jet engines allow the drones to reach nearly 500 kilometers per hour, making them a kind of alternative to cruise missiles. Russia continues to use ballistic and cruise missiles as well. Ballistic missiles present a bigger challenge because they are difficult to intercept, while Ukraine lacks enough interceptors for its Patriot systems. Hundreds of Ukrainian civilians have been killed in Russian strikes in recent months. A strike on a village in Kyiv region on Aug. 28 killed 38 people, according to the report.

“

Because this happens without interruption and disrupts transport infrastructure, supplies, food provision and other essential areas, it has become difficult to plan the working week. Essentially, it is no longer possible to plan anything.

Kyiv residents are trying to maintain ordinary routines, but the city has become harder to navigate and plan around. Public transport is unpredictable, taxi prices have risen with demand, and business meetings have moved into underground parking garages. Evening concerts take place in metro stations, while shops and restaurants repeatedly open and close as alerts sound. “Because this happens without interruption and disrupts transport infrastructure, supplies, food provision and other essential areas, it has become difficult to plan the working week. Essentially, it is no longer possible to plan anything,” said 28-year-old Kyiv resident and art historian Milena Khomchenko.

Ukraine has some drones capable of intercepting the newest Gerans, but only several hundred are available, compared with the thousands needed. Oleksiy Komlichenko, business development director at Ukrainian company Noctis, said, “We need to increase the speed of interceptor drones and the altitude at which they can operate.” Noctis is developing a faster propeller-driven version of its ZIRKA interceptor and expects it to enter use within weeks. A jet-powered version is also under development.

“

We need to increase the speed of interceptor drones and the altitude at which they can operate.