Russia Could Launch 200 Ballistic Missiles at Ukraine in a Single Attack

Ukraine's commander of Unmanned Systems Forces warns Russia could soon launch up to 200 ballistic missiles in a single attack against Ukraine. Maj. Robert "Madyar" Brovdi stated that Russia's current capability of firing 77 missiles simultaneously could increase to 200. This expansion poses a significant threat, as Ukraine is struggling with a shortage of interceptor missiles for US-made Patriot systems, the only defense against such attacks.

The shortage means many incoming missiles could penetrate Ukraine's defenses and reach their targets. Brovdi emphasized that even if Russia only manages half of the expansion, it would still pose a severe threat. He suggested that striking missile production facilities could reduce the number of missiles Russia could launch. Brovdi also noted an increase in the use of jet-powered Shahed-type drones by Russia, which are faster and harder to intercept.

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces have intensified strikes on Russian military, logistics, and energy infrastructure, particularly in Russian-occupied Crimea. However, Ukraine's funding for these strikes is only 14% of the required amount, as promised by Western partners. Crimea is a key target due to Russia's use of the peninsula to support its military operations against Ukraine.

Russia has recently used ballistic missiles in large-scale attacks, including a recent assault on Kyiv on August 5, where they launched 24 Iskander-M missiles, four Zircon or Oniks missiles, and 115 attack drones.