Ballistics Putin’s ‘last argument’ as Ukraine brings his army to standstill | Russia-Ukraine war News
Ukrainian Forces Impede Russian Supply Lines Amid Ongoing Strikes on Key Targets
Recent battlefield analysis indicates that Ukraine has enhanced its capability to disrupt the flow of Russian supplies and personnel across various frontlines, particularly in the southern regions of Zaporizhia and Kherson and extending to the eastern front. This development has reportedly led to a standstill for the Russian army.
Ukrainian forces have also intensified strikes against refineries and munitions factories within Russian territory, significantly undermining Russia’s military efforts.
In a significant move, as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in St. Petersburg for an economic forum, Ukrainian forces targeted the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Putin in an open letter, asserting that he could not prevail in the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy underscored the depletion of Russian resources, stating, “Your resources are significantly dwindling,” and emphasized that Putin would struggle to maintain political loyalty among Russians.
Zelenskyy extended an invitation for direct talks, although Russia did not engage with the proposal or acknowledge its challenging military situation. In a concession, Zelenskyy recognized Russia’s advantage in ballistic missile production, noting that Russia currently manufactures 120 ballistic missiles per month—twice the output of the U.S.-produced Patriot interceptors.
Zelenskyy highlighted the significant impact of Russian ballistic missiles, citing a recent attack that resulted in 23 fatalities and over 130 injuries due to a coordinated drone and missile strike on Ukrainian civilian areas. Ukraine’s Air Force reported interception rates of 91.7 percent for drones and 90.6 percent for cruise missiles, but only 27 percent for ballistic missiles.
Serhiy Beskrestnov, Ukraine’s deputy defense minister, confirmed that Russia possesses a strategic reserve of 180-250 Iskander ballistic missiles, which remain effective longer than other munitions. Zelenskyy labeled ballistic missiles as the “last Russian argument in the war” and called on the U.S. to permit Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptors under license. While the U.S. has declined this request, Zelenskyy has committed to developing a Ukrainian version of the Patriot system by the end of 2027.
In a statement regarding territorial control, Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps reported gaining fire control over several cities in occupied Luhansk, allowing strikes on Russian vehicles and ammunition depots. Analysts have noted that Ukraine’s tactical advancements have yielded significant results. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, indicated that Russia’s territorial gains this year are minimal—just 104 square kilometers (40 square miles)—and that over the same period, it has lost control of 281.1 square kilometers (108 square miles).
Zelenskyy remarked on the deteriorating safety of Russian supply routes in southern and eastern Ukraine, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov acknowledging the implications of Zelenskyy’s statements about reclaiming occupied lands.
In an ongoing effort to degrade Russian military capability, Ukraine has continued its long-range strike campaign targeting oil and defense infrastructure. Recent attacks included the destruction of a ballistic missile launcher and strategic bombers at an airbase and damage to oil refineries in key regions, including Saratov and Rostov. Notably, shortly before the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Ukrainian strikes also targeted an oil terminal in the city and inflicted damage on Russian naval assets.
