Russia is pounding Ukraine with new «Shaheds»: Can two walls save?
The «Shahed» war in Ukraine has reached a new level. An expert highlights the threats.
Russia is attacking Ukraine with modernized "Shaheds" / © TSN
After the military-political portal Defense Express reported that the Russian army had started attacking Ukraine with essentially new «Shaheds» equipped with a warhead nearly doubled in size, former General Staff spokesperson Vladyslav Seleznyov commented on the situation for TSN.ua.
According to some monitoring channels, the upgraded drones, now carrying a 90 kg warhead, are likely capable of penetrating building walls, meaning the «two-wall rule» may no longer be a reliable defense during Russian attacks, unlike standard shelters.
«Yes, there is definitely such a risk,» says military expert Vladyslav Seleznyov.
He notes that the Russian army is constantly improving its «Shaheds.»
«We must understand that the further we go, the more powerful the „Shaheds“ and their warheads become. Moreover, the latest ones are multi-component. They contain small fragments that create a wave of elements, killing everything alive. There’s a high-explosive fragmentation component that causes issues like fires. There’s also an element that produces a cumulative jet. The Russians are increasingly upgrading the „Shahed“ systems to have a relatively inexpensive weapon while causing us as much harm as possible,» Seleznyov explains.
He adds that it’s clear Putin, by enhancing the «Shaheds,» aims to kill as many Ukrainian civilians as possible.
According to Seleznyov, the development of a larger warhead for the «Shahed» is accompanied by efforts to ensure the drone retains its usual speed and maneuverability.
«They are equipping some with more powerful engines. War is the ultimate test, and the Russians are looking for ways to make their weapons cheaper,» Seleznyov notes.
He also points out that stairwells in buildings may not be the best shelter during attacks. After numerous missile strikes, reports have indicated that staircases collapse quickly.
«The best option is a certified shelter. Staircases are not safe,» the expert emphasizes.
In summary, he notes that Russia attacks Ukraine with «Shaheds» at night because their black color makes them extremely difficult to detect visually.
«Russia continues to establish new industrial production facilities for „Shaheds“, as well as „Parodies“ and „Gerberas,“ Seleznyov says, not ruling out that the enemy could significantly ramp up production.