Ukraine’s Air Defenses Struggle Against New Russian Missiles and Drones, Le Monde Reports

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, French newspaper Le Monde reports that Ukraine‘s air defenses in its capital city have been unable to intercept new Russian ballistic missiles and hypersonic drones. The report indicates that during a recent attack on Kyiv, described as Ukraine’s most fortified city, air defense systems failed to intercept any of the Russian ballistic missiles. Residents of Kyiv are questioning the whereabouts and efficacy of the renowned American Patriot systems. Yuriy Ihnat, an official from Ukraine’s Air Force, stated that the president himself has acknowledged a lack of anti-missile systems, particularly Patriot systems. Ukrainian officials assert that the American-made Patriot system remains Ukraine’s sole effective defense against ballistic missiles, but its interceptor missile stocks are reportedly severely depleted. Le Monde further highlights a new emerging threat: Russia’s next-generation drones have attacked the capital twice. These drones reportedly fly at very low altitudes (five kilometers) and high speeds (over 500 kilometers per hour) before suddenly diving towards their targets with a sound likened to that of a small aircraft.