The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) reports impressive effectiveness of Ukrainian air defenses in countering these attacks.
Key Highlights:
Air Defense Effectiveness: In 2023, Russia launched 4,648 air targets over Ukraine, with Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepting 3,701. This includes high success rates against Kh-101/555 and Iskander-K missiles. However, the defense was less effective against missiles like Iskander-M, Kinzhals, and others. Overall, Ukraine's air defense effectiveness for the year stood at 78.88%.
Monthly Analysis: Each month varied in the intensity of shelling. May 2023 saw the highest effectiveness at 88.72%, with most attacks in Kyiv and against Shahed drones. The least effective month was February, with a 61.5% success rate.
December – The Most Challenging Month: December was the toughest month for air defense, with 817 aerial targets launched, 638 of which were shot down. The overall performance in December was 78.09%.
Most Powerful Attack: On December 29, Russia's most extensive and costly attack occurred, launching 158 air targets, including 90 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles and various others. Ukraine's air defense forces shot down 114 of these.
Expenditure on Shelling: Throughout 2023, Russia's expenditure on shelling escalated, particularly in December. The highest costs were for Kh-101/555 cruise missiles at $849.6 million. Other significant expenditures included Daggers, S-300/S-400 missiles, Calibers, and Shaheds.
Comparative Analysis: The estimated total expenditure of almost $2.2 billion by Russia on shelling could have been invested in various other areas, such as social infrastructure or education in countries like Eritrea, Seychelles, San Marino, Bhutan, Gambia, or even within Russia's own regions like the BNR, Dagestan, or the Perm Territory.
This comprehensive review indicates the substantial financial and military resources Russia dedicated to its offensive in Ukraine in 2023, contrasted with the effective defense mounted by Ukrainian forces.
