Ukraine says Russia strike pattern suggests it is low on ballistic missiles
- Moscow’s forces are stepping up use of S-300 and S-400 air defence systems on ground targets, instead of the modern Iskander munitions
- Dwindling stocks of weaponry could become key issues for both sides in a war that has raged for almost 11 months and appears set to continue
Russia is stepping up its use of S-300 and S-400 air defence systems to conduct strikes on ground targets, suggesting that Moscow’s stocks of ballistic missiles are running low, Ukraine’s Air Force spokesman said on Monday.
The official, Yuriy Ihnat, cited Ukrainian intelligence as claiming that Russia had fewer than 100 modern Iskander ballistic munitions left. He said Russia was, instead, using its S-300 and S-400 systems because of an abundance of munitions.
“The enemy is trying to use their potential, because there are many S-300 missiles already manufactured, [Russia] is a manufacturer of these missiles, and they are already using them in this way,” he told a briefing in Kyiv by video link.
Britain’s ministry of defence said last month that Russia had likely expended a large portion of its stocks of SS-26 Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, which can carry a 500kg warhead up to 500km (310 miles).
Russia’s ministry of defence has not commented on the claims, which could not be independently verified.