Speaking on Espreso TV, Sniehyrov, co-chairman of the Prava Sprava (Right Cause) initiative, noted that the system was effectively dismantled during the reforms of former defense minister Anatoly Serdyukov. “The Russian Federation did not even attempt to create a national air defense system, relying exclusively on its nuclear potential. They were confident no one would attack Russian military infrastructure,” he said.As evidence of weakness, he pointed to Moscow’s request that Turkey sell back Russian-made S-400 missile systems, originally exported to Ankara. “This demonstrates not only that Russia’s air defense cannot counter external threats, but also that its military-industrial complex is unable to fulfill obligations to foreign partners,” Sniehyrov argued, noting repeated delays in deliveries of S-400 systems to India.He stressed that recent Ukrainian strikes highlight the vulnerabilities of Russian defenses, particularly in Crimea. “Until recently, it was believed that Crimea had the most serious air defense system in the Russian Federation. But successful Ukrainian UAV attacks have destroyed Russian missile launchers, crippling the system and leaving strategic targets, including air bases and the Crimean Bridge, defenseless,” the expert said.Ukraine’s Defense Forces said they struck the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad region overnight, as well as several other military targets inside Russia and occupied Donetsk.