Russia says it has foiled a major Ukraine drone attack as concerns grow over Kyiv’s weapons supplies

Russia has announced that it successfully thwarted a significant drone attack by Ukrainian forces, shooting down a total of 31 drones in a coordinated nighttime assault along the border regions. This represents the largest cross-border drone attack by Kyiv reported by Moscow since the commencement of the invasion 20 months ago. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties resulting from this incident.

Ukraine continues to push forward with a slow-moving counteroffensive it initiated three months ago in its efforts to repel Russian invaders. However, concerns are mounting regarding Ukraine’s ability to replenish its military resources and a perceived weakening of Western support, which casts a shadow over its military endeavors.

Admiral Rob Bauer, the head of NATO’s Military Committee, has raised alarms about the dwindling supplies of weapons systems and ammunition. He warned that the situation has become critical, with stockpiles nearing depletion. As the war of attrition is expected to persist into the winter and possibly beyond, Bauer emphasized the urgent need for the defense industry to ramp up production significantly to meet the demand for large volumes of military supplies.

The Russian Defense Ministry’s claim of intercepting Ukrainian drones and preventing a Ukrainian attempt to deploy soldiers by sea to the western side of Russian-annexed Crimea has not been independently verified. Ukrainian officials have yet to provide a comment on these assertions.

Crimea, a region illegally annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014, has been a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks and serves as a key hub supporting the ongoing invasion.

Concerns about the resupply of Ukraine’s armed forces have escalated amidst political turmoil in the United States and the sudden removal of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The United States is Ukraine’s primary military supplier, but opposition within the House Republican majority and among GOP voters to sending additional military aid has created challenges. The Pentagon has warned Congress of a shortage of funds to replace the weapons previously sent to Ukraine.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has openly questioned the motives of “Western conservative elites” who oppose efforts to counter the Russian military threat.

In response to funding concerns, U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone call with key allies in Europe, as well as the leaders of Canada and Japan, to coordinate support for Ukraine. This call came three days after Biden signed legislation from Congress that funded the federal government but omitted billions in funding for Ukraine’s war effort that the White House had strongly supported.

Meanwhile, in Russia, nationwide drills were initiated, featuring emergency sirens and temporary interruptions of regular broadcasts on television stations. These drills simulated responses to a scenario involving a growing conflict between nuclear powers, with 70% of housing and vital infrastructure destroyed, and wide areas contaminated by radioactive fallout. Russian officials have issued warnings that Western support for Ukraine has heightened the risk of a direct military confrontation between Russia and NATO.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ukraine’s Military Resupply Concerns

More about Ukraine’s Military Resupply Concerns

• AP’s Coverage of the War in Ukraine