Ukraine’s Air Defenses Are Strained, But Still Holding, Experts Say

As Russia intensifies its aerial attacks, Ukraine is relying on a patchwork of air defense systems, some dating back to the Soviet era, and crucial Western aid.

KYIV – The relentless barrage of Russian missiles and drones has pushed Ukraine’s air defenses to their limits, but they are still functioning, albeit with increasing strain. Experts say a combination of factors – including Western-supplied systems, the skill of Ukrainian operators, and a degree of predictability in Russian attack patterns – are keeping Kyiv and other cities from falling under complete aerial domination.

“The Ukrainian air defense system is not impenetrable, but it is indeed remarkably effective,” says Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “They’ve managed to shoot down a notable percentage of incoming threats, and that’s a testament to both the systems they have and the way they’re employing them.”

Ukraine’s air defense network is a layered system. It includes long-range systems like the U.S.-supplied patriot missile defense system, which can intercept ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Medium-range systems, such as the German-provided IRIS-T and the Norwegian NASAMS, target cruise missiles and drones. And short-range systems, frequently enough Soviet-era, are used to deal with threats that get through the outer layers.

though,the sheer volume and variety of Russian attacks are taking a toll. Russia has been employing a mix of missiles,drones – including Iranian-made Shaheds – and guided bombs,forcing ukraine to expend its limited interceptors.

“Every interceptor that Ukraine uses is one less they have for future attacks,” explains a Western defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The sustainability of this is a major concern.”

The official added that Ukraine is also facing challenges in maintaining and repairing its systems, as well as training enough personnel to operate them effectively.

Despite these challenges, Ukrainian forces have demonstrated an ability to adapt and innovate. They’ve developed tactics to counter the Shahed drones,for example,using a combination of anti-aircraft guns,electronic warfare,and mobile fire groups.

“The ukrainians are very resourceful,” says Kofman. “They’re constantly learning and adjusting their tactics based on what they’re seeing on the battlefield.”

The continued flow of Western aid is crucial to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The U.S. has pledged billions of dollars in security assistance, including air defense systems and interceptors. Though, recent political debates in the U.S. have raised concerns about the future of this aid.

“If aid is considerably reduced or stopped, Ukraine’s air defenses will be severely weakened,” warns the Western defense official. “That would have a significant impact on their ability to protect their cities and infrastructure.”

For now, Ukraine’s air defenses are holding, but the situation remains precarious. As Russia continues to escalate its aerial attacks, Ukraine will need all the support it can get to maintain its shield against the onslaught.

## Trump Reveals He Takes Higher-Than-Recommended Dose of Aspirin Daily

President Donald Trump said he takes a higher dose of daily aspirin than his doctors recommend and he has been doing so for 25 years.

The comments came in a wide-ranging interview with The Wall Street Journal published Thursday.

“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood,and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” trump,79,told The Journal. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”

The president takes 325 milligrams of daily aspirin – one “adult” over-the-counter pill. That is four times higher than the recommended 81 milligram low-dose aspirin used for cardiovascular disease prevention.

What do doctors and researchers say?

As 2022, the nation’s leading panel of experts in disease prevention, the U.S.

Older adults shouldn’t start a routine of daily aspirin, task force says

here’s more of what you need to know about aspirin and cardiac health.

What is aspirin, and what is it used for?

Aspirin – part of the same family of drugs as ibuprofen and naproxen – at low doses reduces the production of a molecule that helps blood clots form.

The over-the-counter drug is commonly used to relieve headaches and pain in adults. It’s also used as a prophylactic medication – as in Trump’s case – in about one in seven older Americans.

The ideal dose

Experts recommend that these patients take 81 milligrams of aspirin every day to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. (The dose used to be described as a “baby aspirin,” but aspirin is no longer recommended for regular use in children.) The low dose is often prescribed – rather than Trump’s 325 milligram dose – because there’s…

Low-Dose Aspirin Use After Heart Events

Some patients should take low-dose aspirin for their entire life – irrespective of their age. These include adults who have undergone heart bypass surgery to reroute blood around a clogged heart artery and those who have had a heart attack among others. Levin also recommends that certain patients with asymptomatic coronary disease – buildup or narrowing of the heart’s arteries – take the drug regardless of age.

Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency in July, and a memo released by the White House in December noted his cardiovascular system is in “excellent health.”