Kateryna Lisunova
It’s a good thing there were so many warnings about the upcoming massive russian attack. It’s also a good thing people had time to get to the subway and other shelters. But right now, more Ukrainians are choosing to shelter than at any other point since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. One of the reasons is that this summer, russians have increasingly targeted residential civilian buildings with ballistic missiles. These are among the most difficult threats to intercept, and without enough Patriot air defense systems and interceptor missiles, they can strike their intended targets. When a ballistic missile hits a residential building, hiding in a bathroom, behind two walls, or sometimes even in the basement of that same building may not be enough. The impact can destroy entire sections of a building, leaving families with little chance of survival. That’s why, during attacks like these, the safest place is a deep, purpose-built shelter. There are two clear conclusions. Ukraine urgently needs more Patriot air defense systems and interceptor missiles. And Ukraine needs military reform and to reinstate Mykhailo Fedorov. Because this winter will be even harder.