Ukrainian air defense forces primarily protect cities, important objects – Air Force spox

Yuriy Ihnat, the spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said this in a comment to Ukrinform.

According to him, the territory of Ukraine is very large, and it is impossible to shield the entire territory with the available air defense systems.

"If to place air defense systems in a larger ring, they will stand away and will not be able to intercept targets. This applies not only to cities but also to objects of critical and military infrastructure. That is, the air defense systems are deployed in such a way to protect the territory of Ukraine locally in the directions determined by the higher military leadership of the state," he said.

"If the air defense ring is widened, there will be gaps, and missiles and drones will be able to fly through the city," added the Air Force spokesman.

Therefore, mobile fire groups and fighter aircraft shoot down the means of destruction outside cities and important objects.

As reported, the Netherlands plans to start training Ukrainian pilots on Western F-16 fighter jets in August and will help strengthen Ukraine's air defense system and artillery.