Read previewUkraine is running out of key missiles to protect its skies against Russian attacks, a development that could allow Russia's air force to firmly enter the conflict. But Ukraine has been able to largely hold Russia's air force back from the conflict since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Reduced Ukrainian air defenses mean the severity of Russia's drone and missile strikes will likely increase — and its air force could also come more into play. But without enough air defense systems "the risk is we see more and more of the Russian air force actually being able to conduct battlefield interdiction," he added. "The Russian Air Force is still a significant threat," Bronk said.

---

Persons: —, Frederik Mertens, Viacheslav, Justin Bronk, SAMS, Bronk, it's, SAMs Organizations: Service, Business, Getty, Hague, Strategic Studies, Ukrainian Tactical Aviation, New York Times, REUTERS, Royal United Services Institute, Russian Air Force Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Russian, Lyman, Avdiivka, Kyiv