The ISW cited Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat and military observer Kostiantyn Mashovets saying that russian troops have limited their use of glide bombs and air strikes in southern Ukraine as well as manned aviation near the occupied Crimea, especially in the northwest region of the Black Sea.
According to ISW's preliminary assessment, the recent increase in the use of guided bombs by russian forces against Ukrainian positions on the western (right) bank of the Dnipro might be due to Ukrainian reports of suppressing russian long-range artillery in that area.
Read more: The Ukrainian Air Force Neutralizes Trio of russian Su-34 Aircraft Over the Southern Front
Ukraine’s Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk announced on December 22 that his troops had downed three russian Su-34 supersonic fighter-bomber aircraft on the southern front. (In addition, on December 24, Ukraine's air defense destroyed two russian military aircraft – a Su-34 on the Mariupol front and a Su-30 over the Black Sea - e.d.)
According to ISW's preliminary assessment, the recent increase in the use of guided bombs by russian forces against Ukrainian positions on the western (right) bank of the Dnipro might be due to Ukrainian reports of suppressing russian long-range artillery in that area.
Continued decreased russian glide bomb strikes in Kherson Oblast may present an opportunity for Ukrainian forces to operate more freely in near rear areas on the west bank and establish a safer position on the east bank from which to conduct future operations if the Ukrainian high command so chose.
Ukrainian soldiers hold positions on the Dnipro River’s east bank in Kherson Oblast, but neither russian nor Ukrainian forces have made confirmed advances in the area, added the ISW.
According to the ISW, russian forces reportedly use glide bomb strikes to keep russian aircraft 50 to 70 kilometers away from the combat line.
The reduced russian use of glide bombs suggests that russian military leadership is concerned about Ukrainian air defense capabilities after recent losses of fighter jets.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as of the morning of December 25, russia lost 329 aircraft and 324 helicopters in the war against Ukraine
Read more: Defenders of Ukraine Shot Down russian Su-34 Fighter-bomber in Mariupol Direction
