West urged to step in against Putin’s air campaign of terror

Russia could overwhelm Ukraine with airpower if the West does not “urgently bolster” supply defence systems and fighter jets, top military analysts have warned. The West has been urged by a concerning new report to support Ukrainian air-defence capacity with American F-16 and F-18, and Swedish Gripen aircraft. Russian pilots have been cautious throughout the war, so even a small number of Western fighters could have a major deterrent effect, according to the report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). It warns that Western military aid is focussed mainly on the ground war as Ukraine has been successful in holding back Russia’s air force, but added: ‘There is a real danger that this success leads to Western complacency about the threat that [Russian air power] can still pose to Ukrainian forces, infrastructure and cities if given an opening”.FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES… West ‘urgently’ asked to step in – Putin turbocharges air campaign of terror (Image: GETTY WIKICC) 10 mins ago07:50 Tara FairUkraine is bracing for further Russian attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.Speaking during his nightly address, the Ukrainian president said more than 4.5 million people were already without power.He said: “We also understand that the terrorist state is concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure.”First of all, energy.”He called on Ukrainians to endure the hardships, adding: “We must get through this winter and be even stronger in the spring than now.” Ukraine braces for fresh infrastructure attacks and further power blackouts (Image: GETTY) Kyiv and other areas have been plunged into darkness (Image: GETTY) 15 mins ago07:45 Tara FairGood morning from London. I’m Tara Fair, I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the war in Ukraine. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.Email: Tara.fair@reachplc.comTwitter: @TaraFair_