Moscow is protected by several air defense rings: but Ukraine is bypassing them

Ukraine has demonstrated a significant capability to conduct successful strikes against critical Russian military installations, logistics hubs, and fuel infrastructure by effectively bypassing their air defense systems. According to Mykola Malamuz, the General of the Ukrainian Army and head of its Foreign Intelligence Service, these operations are particularly effective even in Moscow, which is protected by a complex, multi-layered defense network. Despite the presence of three primary rings around the capital—and up to five layers in areas housing key facilities or President Putin—Ukrainian forces have learned to systematically distract Russian air defense assets before striking specific targets with precision. The strategic focus of these attacks includes major refineries and industrial complexes that are vital to Russia's military-industrial complex and regional fuel supplies. Malamuz highlighted that hundreds of attacks have been launched this year alone within the Moscow region, resulting in severe damage to four refineries, including the crucial Kapotnya facility. By targeting these specific nodes, Ukraine aims to disrupt the flow of petroleum products and degrade the infrastructure supporting the Russian war effort. The general noted that as Ukrainian forces employ various methods to overload and divert defense systems, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Russia to simultaneously cover all its high-value facilities. To achieve this level of operational success, Ukraine relies on a combination of advanced technical work, intelligence gathering, and tactical innovation involving unmanned strike forces. A key component of their strategy involves using electronic systems that simulate real targets, often referred to as "phantoms," which successfully draw Russian air defense resources away from actual objectives. This approach allows Ukrainian forces to redirect Russian defenses toward decoys or other less critical areas, ensuring that their primary strikes remain unimpeded. Through this organized method of attack and diversion, Ukraine has effectively tested and exposed the limitations of the Russian air defense system. Ultimately, the ability to bypass these robust defenses is attributed to the cumulative experience gained from previous attacks and the seamless integration of intelligence with strike capabilities. Malamuz emphasized that concrete successes have already been achieved, proving that Russia is currently unable to defend its rear-area facilities against such coordinated efforts. The Ukrainian military's strategy demonstrates a clear understanding of how to exploit gaps in enemy coverage by overloading their assets and forcing them into reactive positions, thereby securing the ability to strike deep into Russian territory with reduced risk of interception.