Story perspectives

Ukraine Struggles as Russia Strengthens Air Defenses

12/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) reports that Russia's air defenses have significantly improved since the start of the war with Ukraine.
Ukraine has targeted Russian oil infrastructure, but drone strikes hit protected targets in fewer than 10% of cases.
Russian air defenses intercept most Ukrainian munitions, complicating Ukraine's deep-strike campaign.
The report identifies vulnerabilities in Russia's microelectronics supply chain that sanctions and cyberattacks could exploit.

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Story summary

Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) reports that Russia's air defenses have significantly improved since the start of the war with Ukraine.
Ukraine has targeted Russian oil infrastructure, but drone strikes hit protected targets in fewer than 10% of cases.
Russian air defenses intercept most Ukrainian munitions, complicating Ukraine's deep-strike campaign.
The report identifies vulnerabilities in Russia's microelectronics supply chain that sanctions and cyberattacks could exploit.