Russia should establish a continuous air defense line stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea, military expert and air defense historian Yuri Knutov has argued. In a conversation with NEWS.ru, he said such a system would provide reliable protection for rear regions against large-scale drone strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Knurov pointed out that a similar model was used during the Soviet era. At that time, layered air defense belts were built to prevent potential breakthroughs deep into the country. Their mission was to intercept airborne threats headed toward Moscow, Leningrad, the Urals, and other strategically important areas. In addition to these defensive lines, dedicated site-specific air defense units reinforced the protection of key hubs and facilities.

According to Knutov, this structure was designed to absorb a massive strike and stop enemy aircraft from penetrating deep into Soviet territory. He believes that experience remains relevant and deserves renewed attention, arguing that the creation of a defensive belt from the Baltic to the Black Sea is a necessary step under current conditions.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that overnight on February 17, air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 151 Ukrainian drones over various Russian regions. Fifty unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down over the Black Sea, 29 over the Sea of Azov, and 38 over Crimea. Another 18 drones were destroyed above the Krasnodar Territory.