In a dire appeal to Western allies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has underscored the urgent need for advanced defence systems to counter the intensifying threat posed by Russian glide bombs. As Moscow’s forces continue their relentless assault, the Ukrainian capital and other key regions are under a barrage of these highly destructive munitions, leading to increased casualties and widespread devastation.
“Ukraine needs systems and tactics that will allow us to protect our positions, our cities, and our communities from these bombs,” Zelensky stated in a recent address, highlighting the acute vulnerability of Ukrainian defences against these weapons.
Glide bombs, a relatively recent addition to Russia’s arsenal, combine old Soviet-era bombs with modern technology, including fold-out wings and satellite navigation, making them both cost-effective and highly destructive. According to Ukrainian authorities, more than 3,000 glide bombs were deployed against Ukrainian targets in March alone.
The impact of these attacks is profoundly felt on the ground. In the town of Vovchansk, for instance, the use of glide bombs has escalated dramatically. “Over the past six months, we were hit by glide bombs quite often, maybe five to ten bombs per week, but this month we’ve had far more than ever,” said Vovchansk police chief Oleksii Kharkivsky.
These bombs are incredibly destructive, capable of turning fortified positions into rubble and inflicting severe casualties even in well-defended areas. The most commonly used ordnance, the FAB-1500, weighs 1.5 tonnes and can obliterate entire buildings. For comparison, a standard Russian 152mm shell contains about 6.5kg of explosive material, whereas even the smallest glide bomb, the FAB-500, packs over 200kg of explosives.
The psychological impact on both military personnel and civilians has been severe. “The military do not feel safe because their fortifications can’t protect them, while civilians living in Kharkiv, people used to living under shelling, can’t escape a bomb which can destroy a seven-storey building,” noted Mariia Zolkina, a Ukrainian security analyst.
Relevant articles:
– Zelensky says Kyiv is struggling to cope against Putin’s glide bombs – latest , The Independent, 05/23/2024
– Russia-Ukraine war – live: Push for US missiles to be fired into Russia as Kyiv destroys Putin ship in Crimea, Yahoo News UK, 05/23/2024
– Russia’s glide bombs devastating Ukraine’s cities on the cheap, AOL, 05/23/2024
– Ukraine-Russia war news live: Push for US missiles to be fired into Russia as Kyiv destroys Putin ship in Crimea, The Independent, 05/23/2024
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