June 2, 2025
Military expert: Ukrainian strikes are a ‘signal’ to Russia, and to allies
While the Russian Air Force has suffered a significant loss of capability from Ukraine’s drone strikes on its airfieldsMoscow will still be able to launch attacks against Ukraine from Russian territory, military expert Carlo Masala has told DW.
Masala, an international politics professor at the Bundeswehr University Munich, said Russia would still have the ability to continue attacking Ukraine from Russian airspace with glide bombs, cruise missiles, and rockets.
However, he said it was interesting that the attacks had been launched from inside Russia and had been so long in the planning.
“It is indeed a spectacular operation, considering that, according to Ukraine, it had been prepared for 15 to 18 months, [and that] it took place in Russia,” said Masala. “So, no long-range drones were involved.”
He also said the strikes would be of symbolic importance, particularly for Ukraine’s allies.
“It is a signal to Russia about what they are capable of. It is a signal to the West about what they are capable of.”
“In recent months, we’ve only been discussing the weakening Ukrainian armed forces in Donbas, which are struggling to hold the front and Russian territorial gains, albeit few,” said Masala.
“Now Ukraine is once again demonstrating that it is capable of things that no one really expected of it. Therefore, this is an important symbolic signal to the states supporting Ukraine.”
Ukraine estimates the damage at approximately $7 billion (about €6.1 billion), claiming that about 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers were affected.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Russian Airfields: A Military Expert Weighs In
Time.news: Welcome, Professor Eleanor Vance, too Time.news! We’re here today to discuss the recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian airfields and their implications. professor vance is a renowned expert in military strategy and international security. Thanks for joining us.
Professor Vance: Thank you for having me.
Time.news: Professor,Ukrainian sources claim significant damage to Russian strategic cruise missile carriers,and you’ve called these strikes a “stunning operation.” Could you elaborate on why? What makes this so noteworthy in the context of the ongoing conflict? [Keywords: Ukrainian drone strikes,russian airfields,military strategy]
Professor Vance: The operation is noteworthy on several fronts. First, the reported planning timeframe of 15 to 18 months suggests a refined and deeply embedded intelligence network within Russia, demonstrating considerable Ukrainian resolve and operational capability behind enemy lines.. The fact that these strikes didn’t involve long-range drones is also significant. It implies reliance on agents or other assets operating within Russia, making detection far more challenging for Russia. It shows creative ways that Ukraine is finding to overcome the clear Russian advantage in resources.
Time.news: Despite these impactful strikes, you’ve emphasized that Russia can still attack Ukraine from its own territory. How can they do this? [Keywords: Russia Ukraine War, glide bombs, cruise missiles]
Professor Vance: Absolutely. The loss of some air assets on forward-based airfields complicates Russia’s operational posture, no question, but it doesn’t eliminate their ability to inflict damage. Russia retains the capacity to launch glide bombs, cruise missiles, and rockets from within Russian airspace. These standoff weapons allow them to strike ukrainian targets without necessarily crossing the border,mitigating the risk to their aircraft.While the Ukrainians can still conduct defensive air actions, it is easier for Russia to launch offensive operations from its home territory.
Time.news: You mentioned the strikes send a signal to both Russia and the West. What specific messages are being communicated here? [Keywords: strategic messaging, international relations, Ukrainian military capability]
professor Vance: To Russia, the message is clear: Ukraine possesses the capability to reach deep into Russian territory and strike strategic assets. It challenges the perception of Ukrainian weaknesses and adds a layer of insecurity for the Russian military.
For the West, it’s a reminder of Ukraine’s resilience and resourcefulness. In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges in Donbas, with ongoing discussions about potentially waning Western support, these strikes underline Ukraine’s determination to fight and its continued potential to surprise. The strikes are meant to justify and renew support.
Time.news: Ukraine estimates the damage to Russian cruise missile carriers at around 34%, with a $7 billion price tag on the impacts of these strikes. are these accurate? And what does that mean for the strategic balance? [Keywords: Cruise missile carriers, strategic balance, military damage assessment]
Professor Vance: Estimating damage in wartime is always tricky. Though, even if the numbers are slightly inflated, the impact on Russia’s strategic capabilities woudl still be considerable with such large scale destruction. The destruction of cruise missile carriers could affect Russia’s ability to launch long-range strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure and military targets. This could give Ukraine additional breathing room to regroup and launch future offensive actions. It could also force russia to reallocate resources to protect its airfields, further straining their already stretched military budget.
Time.news: What practical considerations or warnings should our readers take away from this situation? [Keywords: Geopolitical analysis, security risks, global implications]
Professor Vance: From a practical strategic perspective, it highlights the importance of asymmetric warfare. Ukraine,lacking the resources of Russia,is demonstrating how targeted strikes can yield disproportionate results. From a global outlook, the conflict underscores the unpredictable nature of modern warfare and the potential for escalation. It’s a reminder that even in conventional conflicts, innovative tactics and technologies can significantly alter the balance of power.
Time.news: Professor Vance, what are the potential next steps, for both Russia and Ukraine? [Keywords: Russia Ukraine war, international conflict, future military actions]
Professor Vance: For Russia, expect intensified efforts to improve air defence, reassess airfield security, and potentially retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian targets.. On the diplomatic side, Moscow will use this situation to reinforce its narrative about Western aggression.
ukraine will likely continue similar operations. We may also see this prompt increased calls from Ukraine to its allies for more advanced air defense systems and long-range strike capabilities. Above all, this escalates uncertainty in the region.
Time.news: Thank you, Professor Vance, for your invaluable insights.
Professor Vance: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
