Ukraine’s ballistic missiles may force Russia to choose between air defence and ground strikes

Russia has been using its S-400 air defence systems in a surface-to-surface strike role, according to Euromaidan Press. This means the missile systems, originally designed to intercept aerial threats, are being directed at ground targets instead.

However, this tactic may become untenable once Ukraine starts employing its own ballistic missiles. With Ukrainian ballistic missiles heading toward Russian positions, Russia would likely need to keep its S-400 batteries in their primary air-defence configuration. In that case, the systems would no longer be available for attacking ground targets.

The situation presents Russia with a strategic dilemma. If it continues to use S-400s for ground attacks, it risks leaving critical airspace and assets exposed to Ukrainian ballistic missiles. If it redeploys the systems for air defence, it loses an offensive capability that has been used to strike Ukrainian territory.

The shift in Ukraine's missile capabilities could therefore change the balance on the battlefield. Russia may have to decide whether to keep bombarding Ukrainian cities and infrastructure or protect its own forces and key installations from incoming ballistic missiles.

For now, the full impact of Ukraine's new missiles remains unclear, but the growing threat is likely to force adjustments in Russian military strategy.