Russia now hunts Kyiv by daylight too, Flash explains why

Russia now launches its strike drones during daylight hours, not just at night. This shift is due to the new jet-powered Geran drones, which are nearly impossible to intercept, according to Serhii Flash Beskrestnov, President Zelenskyy's adviser on defense technologies. The wave of daytime raids began on September 1, shortly after the initial attack on Kyiv and its region, which killed 12 people.

This attack followed a six-day assault on the capital that started on August 27, two days after CIA Director John Ratcliffe arrived in Moscow.

The daytime attacks have an economic and psychological impact, forcing shops and businesses to operate on erratic schedules, disrupting transport, and potentially halting rail service. Beskrestnov emphasized that these strikes strain Ukraine's air defense, as radar stations and generators must remain operational around the clock. The constant campaign is aimed at keeping Ukrainian defenders on high alert.

Kyiv remains a prime target for Russia due to its symbolic and military significance. The capital houses the government, businesses, warehouses, and any strike would carry greater consequences than attacks on smaller towns. Russian forces initially targeted districts close to their drone launch corridors, including Kyiv's Left Bank, Brovary, and Boryspil raions, before moving to the opposite side of the city.

As winter approaches, Beskrestnov predicts Russia will intensify attacks on Kyiv's energy infrastructure, which they have not yet targeted.