UA
FR
DEUkraine’s air defence forces shot down 44 of more than 50 missiles fired by Russia during a morning attack on 31 October that targeted critical infrastructure.
“More than 50 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles were fired from Tu-95/Tu-160 strategic aviation missile-carrying aircraft from the north of the Caspian Sea and Volgodonsk area (Rostov region). Forty-four cruise missiles were destroyed by the forces and means of the Air Force; in the areas of responsibility of the Air Command ‘Center’ – 18 [missiles], the Air Command ‘South’ – 12, the Air Command ‘East’ – 9, the Air Command ‘West’ – 5,” the press service of the Air Force Command posted on Telegram.
Yuriy Ihnat, the spokesperson for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, called the percentage of downed Russian missiles during this attack incredibly high. According to him, the key to the success of the air defence forces was great experience, intelligence data, and luck.
“Everyone worked – equipment, fire groups, air defence systems, this is the result of their work… Do we need even more air defence systems? We need to completely replace air defence. What we have are Soviet models. And not only in terms of technical characteristics but also in terms of missiles,” Ihnat explained.
According to him, the good result showed on 31 October does not negate the need to strengthen air defence.
At the same time, the Centre for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defence Council called on Ukrainians to observe informational silence and remain calm. By striking civilian infrastructure and the civilian population, the enemy wants to induce Ukraine to negotiate on its terms.
Accordingly, citizens of Ukraine are advised not to panic, not to create artificial hype in grocery stores and pharmacies, not to share unverified information, not to share photos/videos of the places of strikes/explosions, and to trust only official sources of information.
Bohdan Marusyak
