What makes Russia’s December 27 attack on Ukraine different: Ihnat reveals details
During the December 27 attack on Kyiv, Russia carried out a combined strike using missiles and drones against energy infrastructure, Yurii Ihnat spoke about the difficulties of intercepting targets in densely built-up areas and the role of F-16 fighter jets.
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Yurii Ihnat. © Screenshot from video / © скріншот з відео
Russian forces launched a combined overnight attack on Ukraine on December 27, using attack drones and missiles of various types.
Head of the Communications Department of Ukraine’s Air Force Command, Yurii Ihnat, speaking on Hromadske Radio, described the specifics of the Russian attack.
“The nature of the attack was the movement of various types of targets from different directions, effectively aimed at one region. Today the capital and the surrounding area were under attack. Critical infrastructure is being targeted — primarily energy facilities, as well as other sites of interest to the enemy,” he said.
According to Ihnat, both ground-based air defence systems and aircraft were involved, requiring close coordination between military command bodies within a limited area.
“When such a dense attack takes place, organising air defence is extremely difficult, especially in urban areas with dense development. That is why, unfortunately, people, including children, and residential buildings suffer,” he said.
Ihnat said aircraft are deployed when cruise missiles are used, including F-16 fighter jets, as well as MiG-29s and Su-27s, and possibly Mirage aircraft. “F-16s are operating effectively and were also used during this attack,” he said.
He added that the attack differed from the previous one, when missiles crossed several regions and could be intercepted along their flight paths. This time, opportunities for interception were more limited.
“Aircraft cannot enter areas where air defence systems are operating, which makes it particularly difficult when all targets are heading towards Kyiv and the surrounding region,” Ihnat said, referring to the need to coordinate helicopters hunting "Shahed" drones and ground-based air defence systems.