MOSCOW: Russia has intensified its attack on Ukraine using its cruise missiles. As per preliminary information, it was a Russian Kalibr cruise missile that hit Ukraine's Ivano-Frankivsk airport. The Russian forces also used ballistic missiles in the attack. Many of the Russian military's state-of-the-art weapons systems were already deployed on the border for the attack. According to experts, The Kalibr missile may have been launched from the sea, while the powerful Iskander ballistic missile may have been launched from the ground.

Russia had reportedly used BM-30 Smerch rockets, KH-31 anti-radar missiles and Grad rockets. It also used short-range missiles, including the Iskander, during the beginning of the attack. With the help of this state-of-the-art equipment, Russia was able to surround Ukraine without using a large contingent of air forces. The Russian military also has powerful Rakushka armoured personnel carrier vehicles and Uragan M rocket launcher.

Russia's first tactic was to destroy Ukraine's air defence systems and air bases. This prevented the Ukrainian air force from repelling Russian ground attacks. Russian warplanes filled Ukrainian airspace soon after the destruction of Ukraine's air defence systems and air bases. In the past, the US had used similar tactics during the war.

Meanwhile, Russia has not yet deployed the most deadly thermobaric weapons. TOS - 1 Buratino and TOS-1A 'Solntsepek' are among Russia's lethal weapons. People across the globe have raised concerns about whether Russia could use these against Ukraine. There are also rumours that Russia had deployed these on the border.