Russia has shifted its tactics to massive strikes aimed at wearing down Ukraine's air defense
On March 23–24, Russian forces carried out one of the largest attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion, deploying nearly a thousand weapons.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) note that the aggressor has implemented a new tactic that allows it to maintain a threat over various regions for longer periods and to target civilian infrastructure with precision.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the attack was divided into several waves. From the evening of March 23 to the morning of March 24, the enemy launched 426 missiles and drones, and over the next nine hours—another 556 drones.
“The series of attacks on March 23–24 indicates a significant shift in Russian tactics, allowing them to sustain the threat over a longer period across a greater number of regions,” ISW experts explain.
A distinctive feature of this offensive was the stretching out of strikes over time, which, according to experts, is aimed at identifying vulnerabilities in the air defense system.
Russia deliberately stockpiled resources to deliver the most concentrated strike possible, which, in terms of the number of munitions, nearly reached the mark of 1,000 units simultaneously.
Eleven regions of Ukraine came under attack, resulting in damage to energy, transportation, and civilian infrastructure.
Unfortunately, at least four civilians were killed as a result of the nighttime shelling. Lviv was the target of a separate attack, where strike drones hit the Bernardine Monastery complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experts note that Moscow is attempting to exploit the global shortage of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems.
By targeting ballistic missiles at frontline areas in the Zaporizhzhia and Poltava regions, where these modern systems are absent, the enemy achieves hits, as it is impossible to intercept such targets by other means.
In addition to military targets, the Kremlin uses massive shelling as a tool of political pressure.
The attack occurred immediately after Ukrainian-American consultations in Florida, once again confirming the synchronization of Russia’s military actions with international diplomatic processes.
ISW analysts emphasize that the increasing scale of the strikes underscores Ukraine’s critical need for Western aid.
“The increasing scale and variety of Russian strikes underscore the critical importance of Western aid to Ukraine, particularly modern air defense systems,” the report states.
Only comprehensive defense can counter the tactic of overwhelming air defense systems.
As a reminder, Russia attacked Ukraine with 147 drones, and air defense systems shot down 121 of them.
Russia also attacked Lviv with kamikaze drones; a fire broke out in the city.
