"Russia's Strategy to Exhaust Ukraine's Air Defenses Amidst New Year Bombings and Self-Inflicted Blunders"

Russia has intensified its missile attacks on Ukraine, potentially aiming to exhaust Ukraine's supply of Patriot air-defense missiles. Experts suggest this strategy could leave Ukraine vulnerable to further attacks if their air defenses are depleted. The situation is compounded by the US Congress's current block on additional defense aid, which limits Ukraine's ability to replenish its Patriot missile stocks. The timing of Russia's increased barrages coincides with the uncertainty of further aid from the US, as Senate Republicans demand funding for the US southern border before approving more military support for Ukraine.