ISW: Russia has returned to its usual pattern of strikes on Ukraine, albeit with fewer missiles
Kyiv • UNN
The Russians have returned to a more typical pattern of strikes on Ukraine after increasing the "package size" in early March. It is likely that Russia is delaying negotiations in order to achieve success on the front lines.
The Russians have resumed a more typical pattern of strikes against Ukraine after a temporary increase in the "size of packages" of long-range strikes in mid-February and early March 2025. This is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), reports UNN.
Details
It is noted that in mid-February and early March 2025, Russian troops carried out significantly larger strikes, but in recent weeks they have carried out strikes more similar to those observed in January and early February 2025, albeit with fewer missiles.
In particular, Russian forces did not strike Ukraine on April 7 - the day after they launched their largest strike in a month on April 6 - but have since resumed daily strikes
They recall that Russian officials have so far refused to participate in a "temporary US-Ukrainian ceasefire".
The proposed long-range ceasefire on energy infrastructure would not require Russia to cease all long-range drone and missile strikes, but the proposed general ceasefire along the current front line, in the air and at sea, would likely require Russia to cease all strikes on Ukraine
They conclude that Russian forces are likely delaying negotiations on a general ceasefire in order to continue to make gains along the front line in Ukraine and to continue to carry out devastating long-range strikes on Ukrainian defense industrial and civilian areas, "to intimidate the civilian population and undermine Ukraine's ability to defend itself against future Russian aggression."
"Previously, Russian forces launched long-range Shahed drones in series of waves against various targets every night, and this ... suggests that Russian forces believe that this new tactic will more effectively suppress Ukrainian air defenses," ISW concludes.
Let us remind you
According to The Telegraph, the United Kingdom may deploy troops in Ukraine for up to five years. This is one of the options being discussed by Western allies.