Ukraine is grappling with the increasing use of glide bombs by Vladimir Putin's forces, which President Volodymyr Zelensky described as "practically the main instrument of Russian terror."
"Ukraine needs systems and tactics to protect our positions, cities, and communities from these bombs," Zelensky said.
In April alone, Russian forces deployed over 3,200 guided bombs against Ukrainian targets, along with more than 300 missiles and around 300 Shahed-type drones. Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine is far from effectively countering these threats.
Russia has used glide bombs—Soviet-era munitions equipped with small wings for guided targeting—to attack schools, museums, universities, hospitals, and maternity wards, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties since the invasion in February 2022.
Zelensky's remarks followed the downing of another Russian warplane by Ukrainian forces in Donetsk's Pokrovsk front, marking the fifth Russian Su-25 jet shot down this month. Putin’s forces have bombarded Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region with missiles, glide bombs, rockets, and drones launched from within Russia.
This aerial assault has been accompanied by a ground offensive, with thousands of Russian soldiers crossing the border and advancing towards Kharkiv. The heaviest fighting has occurred near Vovchansk, close to the border and about 40 miles from Kharkiv.
Initially, Russian troops overcame weak Ukrainian defenses, advancing a few miles and capturing areas totaling around 50 square miles, including several villages. Ukrainian reinforcements eventually halted their progress.
During a visit by The Independent, a Ukrainian army vehicle with only three wheels was seen on the road. As a soldier named "American" explained, a Russian drone bomb had hit the road near them, destroying the vehicle's wheel but sparing the soldiers.
Meanwhile, a series of blasts were reported in the Russian city of Belgorod following a missile attack warning. Belgorod, a frontline city, has been subjected to frequent Ukrainian drone and shelling attacks, resulting in heavy casualties.
Zelensky met with senior officials, including the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council and the Chief of the General Staff, to address the urgent need for Ukraine to enhance its electronic warfare capabilities and boost domestic production of drones, missiles, and other weapons to counter Russian guided bombs.
In his regular video address, Zelensky emphasized the need for systems and tactics to defend against Russian bombs, calling them the primary tool of Russian terror and aggression. He stressed the critical nature of the situation and the necessity for immediate solutions to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.
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