According to Gert Kaju, head of the Estonian Ministry of Defence's Defence Readiness Department, Russia is struggling to produce air defense missiles at a pace that meets the depletion rate of its current stocks. This situation has forced the Russian military to make difficult decisions about which strategic facilities to prioritize for air defense protection. He also highlighted a concerning rise in the proportion of killed soldiers among Russian casualties, indicating serious implications for their ongoing military operations.

In the last week, the conflict in Ukraine has seen a slight decrease in the number of combat engagements, which Kaju links to fluctuating weather conditions. He noted that there has been an average of 133 combat encounters per day, which represents a continuation of a downward trend observed in previous weeks. The dynamics of warfare appear to be shifting, with a noticeable increase in long-range strikes targeting each other's territories, reflecting evolving military tactics on both sides.

Kaju further explains that the current spring weather conditions, combined with the lack of foliage on trees and soft soil, have made it significantly more difficult for troops to hide and advance on the battlefield. This has inadvertently improved the combat effectiveness of drones, as they can operate more efficiently in these environmental conditions. Overall, these factors paint a complex picture of the ongoing conflict, with both tactical adjustments and resource management becoming critical for Russia's military strategy.