The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Ukraine improvises with aging air defenses to counter Russian missiles

By Isabelle Khurshudyan

20 Oct 2022 · 4 min read

Editor's Note

Ukrainian troops have been trying to stop Russian missile attacks on cities using rudimentary means. Why haven’t Ukraine’s allies helped by sending air-defense systems? The Washington Post reports.

KYIV, Ukraine - Dmytro Shumskyi stood in the middle of the field in northern Ukraine with the Stinger air defense missile perched on his shoulder. "It's coming!" his comrades yelled from behind him. Through the clear-blue sky, a small black streak flew past, followed by a loud whoosh - part of a barrage of missiles earlier this month that Russia said was retaliation for an attack on the Crimean Bridge.

Shumskyi waited for the telltale crack and squeal of the Stinger and then launched his missile at the Russian one now in the distance. Behind him, his fellow Ukrainian soldiers yelled profanities, willing the enemy's weapon to fall.

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