cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/44221472
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Washington ahead of his meeting with Donald Trump on Friday.
He says Ukraine is “building on the momentum that worked in ending terror in the Middle East, which will help end the war with Russia.”
He also suggested that Russia is “rushing to resume dialogue only after hearing about the Tomahawks” - a reference to the imminent decision by Washington on whether to give Kiev access to long-range missiles or not.
[…]
Andrey Kovalenko from the Center for Combating Disinformation at the Security and Defense Council of Ukraine recalls that in 2017 and 2018, “Tomahawks” successfully hit targets protected by Russian air defense during the conflict in Syria.
According to him, the “Tomahawk” uses a complex navigation system, so the opponent, after the radar registers it, has only seconds to react. To effectively intercept such a missile, a dense network of low-range radars, rapid exchange of data on targets and synchronized air defenses are required. “Russian systems then protected Syrian facilities, but without success. ‘Tomahawks’ are especially effective when fired in bursts - overloading air defenses increases the probability of success. Russian S-400 and Pancir systems are weak against ‘Tomahawks,’” says Kovalenko.
[…]
Reports say that US Tomahawk missiles have become an important topic in Washington, Kiev and Moscow in recent weeks.
Andrey Kovalenko from the Center for Combating Disinformation at the Security and Defense Council of Ukraine recalls that in 2017 and 2018, “Tomahawks” successfully hit targets protected by Russian air defense during the conflict in Syria.
According to him, the “Tomahawk” uses a complex navigation system, so the opponent, after the radar registers it, has only seconds to react. To effectively intercept such a missile, a dense network of low-range radars, rapid exchange of data on targets and synchronized air defenses are required. “Russian systems then protected Syrian facilities, but without success. ‘Tomahawks’ are especially effective when fired in bursts - overloading air defenses increases the probability of success. Russian S-400 and Pancir systems are weak against ‘Tomahawks,’” says Kovalenko.
He also said that the phone call, which lasted just under two and a half hours, took place at the initiative of Russia.
Well, someone knows they’re fucked.
The Kyiv Post reports that Trump ties Tomahawk deal to German Taurus missile transfer
US President Donald Trump is inching closer to a landmark decision on supplying Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles …
This gambit is strategically calculated not only to bolster Ukraine’s defense but also to force reluctant European allies, particularly Germany regarding its Taurus missile, “to follow suit,” …
Regarding European pressure, [President of the US-based think-tank Saratoga Foundation Glen] Howard suggested: “If the US provides Ukraine with Tomahawks, it would undoubtedly increase pressure on Germany, which has thus far resisted providing the Taurus despite significant speculation.”
The paper also reports that “Russia launched a staggering volume of aerial weapons last week – over 4,500 drones, missiles, and glide bombs – marking one of the most intense periods of air attacks since the full-scale invasion began.”
