War in Ukraine: This American timing error could cost kyiv dearly against Russian Su-34 bombers

The destruction of Russian Su-34 and Su-35 bombers is one of Ukraine's goals. Although the United States has agreed to the use of ATACMS missiles, it is probably already too late.

Since February 2022, the fighting between Russia and Ukraine has not abated. Although this war is mainly fought through the daily sending of all types of drones, it is also very strategic. Kiev's allies are said to have made a mistake, allowing Moscow to continue using its gliding bombs, which are wreaking havoc, according to Géo.

They “demolish everything”

While the fighting is concentrated in the north and northeast of the country, the loss of Avdiivka last February leaves a bitter taste in kyiv. Russia emerged victorious from this battle thanks in particular to the use of gliding bombs, which are a real problem for Volodymyr Zelensky's troops.

More precisely, these are KAB air-to-ground “silent” bombs, equipped with a guidance system and wings, which allow a longer range and to get as close as possible to the targets. They “demolish everything, destroying houses and foundations that can be used for defense fortifications”, Dmytro Lykhovii, Ukrainian military spokesman in eastern Ukraine, commented a few months ago to Washington Post.

These bombs are launched from large bombers, Su-34 or Su-35 that fly too high to be reached by Ukrainian air defenses.

A error

Eliminating these planes has become a priority for Volodymyr Zelensky's army. But the best way to achieve this is to use American ATACMS missiles. But Washington's authorization to Ukraine came far too late.

Moscow was thus able to monitor the negotiations and anticipate Kiev's maneuvers. "Between the second half of June and mid-July, Russian forces moved a large part of their precious military resources out of the border area with Ukraine", explains the Ukrainian analysis group Frontelligence Insight quoted by Forbes.

The Russian aircraft are now several hundred kilometers from the border, and therefore out of range of ATACMS missiles. A timing error that could harm Ukraine.