Ukrainian drone attacks have recently made significant progress, showcasing Ukraine’s ability to retaliate against Russian air assaults. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized this point by stating, “If Ukraine burns, then your Moscow will burn as well.” While these drone strikes represent an achievement, they highlight a more complex issue.

Despite its successes, Ukraine lacks ballistic missiles, which are essential for inflicting significant damage. These missiles carry heavier explosives compared to drones, and their speed makes them difficult to intercept. As a result, they pose a greater threat and could alter the course of the conflict.

Russia’s use of ballistic missiles has frequently overwhelmed Ukraine’s air defenses, causing extensive damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, especially during harsh winter conditions. With Russian ground forces at a standstill, the air assault on Ukrainian cities remains a significant challenge and puts immense pressure on Ukraine’s military capacity.

Understanding this disadvantage, Ukrainian officials have announced efforts to develop their own ballistic missiles. Kyiv considers these weapons crucial for exerting pressure on Moscow and potentially compelling negotiations. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov recently stated on Ukrainian television, “Ukrainian ballistic capability will fundamentally change the nature of this war. We are not overhyping expectations, but we can say that Ukrainian ballistic missiles will exist and will be used against Russia.”