The ISW has warned of a change in the tactics of Russian attacks on Ukraine
This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Russia’s new attack tactics
As analysts point out, it is not simply a matter of scale, but of a systematic approach: strikes are spread out over time, combining drones and missiles, with the main aim being to overwhelm and expose the vulnerabilities of Ukraine’s air defences.
In particular, Serhiy Flash Beskrestnov, an adviser to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, stated that the variation in the duration of the strikes is likely aimed at identifying vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s air defence and overcoming them.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation, noted that Russian forces had been building up resources for some time to carry out more intense and prolonged strikes targeting civilian facilities across Ukraine.
The ISW points out that Russia is employing a ‘build-up and strike’ tactic: a limited number of missiles are launched over several days, followed by massive attacks involving the simultaneous use of missiles and large numbers of drones.
This approach allows them to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defences and amplify the destructive effect.
According to experts, Russia is already approaching the capability to launch over 1,000 attack drones in a single series of attacks. The events of 23–24 March provided the closest example to date of such a scenario.
Political pressure and new risks
Separately, the ISW draws attention to the political factor. Such strikes often coincide with important diplomatic events.
In particular, the latest attack took place immediately after US-Ukrainian talks in Florida, which may indicate an attempt to put pressure on Kyiv and its allies.
Experts also warn that Moscow may exploit the shortage of air defence systems, particularly Patriots, as well as the diversion of international attention to the Middle East, to intensify its air campaign against Ukraine.
Russian attack on Ukraine on 24 March: what is known
As a reminder, on the night of 24 March, Russia launched a large-scale air attack on Ukraine. The enemy launched several hundred drones, as well as ballistic and cruise missiles, at various regions.
Kyiv, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia and other regions came under attack. Devastating consequences were recorded in 11 regions: four people were killed, dozens were injured, including children.
The attacks continued throughout the day. By the evening of 24 March, almost all of Ukraine’s western regions were under drone attack.
In Lviv, strikes hit residential buildings on Soborna Square and on Brativ Rohatynets and Chervonoyi Kaliny streets.
