Ukrainian military analyst and Colonel Kostiantyn Mashovets explained to Kyiv-based journalists why, contrary to a widespread belief in Ukraine, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are unable to strike central Moscow and thereby end the war on Kyiv’s terms within a single month. According to Mashovets, such strikes are impossible for two basic reasons.

First, he pointed to the absence of long-range and sufficiently powerful strike capabilities in Ukraine’s arsenal. As he explained, Ukraine simply does not possess weapons capable of reaching targets at that distance.

Second, Mashovets emphasized the characteristics of Moscow’s air defense system. He noted that the Moscow air defense district is a specialized formation and represents one of the most heavily fortified air and missile defense systems in the world.

As a result, Mashovets concluded that Ukraine lacks the means not only to reach Moscow but also to overcome what he described as one of the world’s most advanced air and missile defense levels at the same time.