The Odesa region has become the main testing ground for Russia's new strike tactics. Yuriy Ignat, Head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force, revealed details of the escalation occurring in southern Ukraine during an interview on 'Utro.LIVE'. Russia is not only increasing the number of attacks but is also changing its arsenal, deliberately attempting to paralyze the country's maritime logistics.

Why Odesa is Specifically Under Attack

According to Ignat, the reason for the enemy's concentration of efforts in this region lies in its unique geography and economic significance. The region has an extensive coastline, borders Romania and Moldova, and serves as a hub through which a critically important part of Ukraine's maritime logistics passes.

"The specific location of Odesa is its extensive coastline, where numerous infrastructure facilities are concentrated. There are also significant economic capacities of Ukraine there," noted the Air Force spokesperson.

That is why Russian troops have intensified combined strikes. Attacks are now being carried out synchronously using aviation and missiles launched from temporarily occupied Crimea. The goal is to inflict maximum damage on port infrastructure, civilian vessels, and shipping facilities.

Aggressor's Arsenal: From 'Oniks' to New Hybrids

To implement this strategy, Russia is using a wide range of precision weapons. The list of munitions used includes:

  • Kh-59 guided air-to-surface missiles;
  • Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles;
  • Oniks and Kh-22 cruise missiles;
  • Shahed attack drones.

However, according to Ignat, the most noticeable change has been the active deployment of 'Gerbera' drones and 'Banderol' loitering munitions in the combat order.

"This is not new weaponry. It was simply used less before, so it was less noticeable. The frequency of attacks is currently quite dense, especially in the southern regions of Ukraine," the expert explained.

'Banderol': A Challenge for Air Defense

The 'Banderol' loitering munitions pose a particular challenge for Ukrainian air defense crews. Ignat describes them as a hybrid of a drone and a missile. These devices fly at speeds of about 600 km/h, and their flight trajectory is practically identical to that of cruise missiles. Because of this, the same expensive air defense systems used to protect against missiles must be engaged to intercept them.

Most often, such munitions are launched from Russian 'Orion' carrier drones operating over the Black Sea. From this position, occupiers regularly strike Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, although other aircraft can also serve as carriers for the 'Banderol'.

Consequences of Escalation

The results of the enemy's intensification have already become tangible for the population. A reminder of this is the attack on July 20, when Odesa was struck in broad daylight. As a result of the attack on infrastructure facilities, power outages occurred in certain areas of the city.

According to the State Emergency Service (SES), three people died and six others were injured in this incident. A gas pipeline was also damaged during the strike, creating additional risks for the region's life support systems.