Institute experts stated that since the beginning of 2023, the Russian armed forces have gradually increased the use of flying bombs. But the recent massive use of hover bombs in Avdiyivka marks the first time the Russian Air Force has used the bombs extensively to provide air support to advancing infantry.
The latest flying bombs used by Russia can fly up to 100 kilometers in the air after separating from the aircraft.
The fact that Russia was able to carry out these massive strikes on the most active part of the front line over several days suggests that Ukrainian forces were unable to deny them access to the airspace around Avdiyivka, and that Russian forces likely used this short-lived local air superiority to facilitate the capture of a significant part of the city .
A representative of the Ukrainian brigade operating near Avdiyivka announced on February 17 that Russian forces had dropped 60 flying bombs on Ukrainian positions in Avdiyivka in the past 24 hours.
On the other hand, a Ukrainian military officer operating in the area said that Russian troops have sent up to 500 hovering bombs to Avdiyivka in recent days.
Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of the Ukrainian army’s Tavryka group of forces, said Russian forces carried out a record 73 airstrikes in the Tavryka region on February 14 as Russian forces stepped up their tactical deployment in Avdiyivka.
2024-02-18 08:06:00
#Video #ISW #Russia #captures #Avdiyivka #secures #clear #air #superiority #time
