In the war-torn region of eastern Ukraine, Russian glide bombs have emerged as one of the most terrifying weapons in the ongoing conflict. With the ability to level entire towns in a matter of moments, these powerful munitions have tilted the balance of fighting in favor of Russia, allowing them to make steady gains in the Donetsk region.

These glide bombs, known as "KABs" or "FABs," are free-fall bombs that have been retrofitted with pop-out wings and satellite navigation, transforming them into guided munitions. Weighing between 500 and 6,000 pounds and packed with hundreds of pounds of explosives, these bombs can decimate high-rise buildings and destroy even fortified structures.

The impact of these bombs was witnessed by journalists from The New York Times who visited the former mining town of Toretsk, where Ukrainian forces are facing relentless bombardments. Ukrainian soldiers describe the experience as "scary and very fast," as the bombs tear through buildings and trigger fires that continue to rage amidst the ruins.

The devastating effects of these glide bombs have not only forced Ukrainian soldiers to retreat from their heavily fortified positions but have also allowed Russian forces to raze whole towns and villages at an alarming speed. The continuous aerial bombardments have undermined the defense of the Donetsk region, with Ukrainian troops admitting they are outgunned and outmanned.

Despite Ukraine's efforts to counter this threat, including developing their own long-range strike capabilities and targeting Russian airfields, Russian warplanes managed to launch around 750 glide bombs in just one week in August. The destructive power of these weapons is evident when comparing the size of the explosive material in an artillery shell fired by Russia (13 pounds) to that of a commonly deployed glide bomb (over 1,300 pounds).

The stealthy nature of these glide bombs, which lack propulsion and emit no detectable heat signature, makes them extremely difficult to spot. Russian warplanes can launch them from a safe distance behind the front lines, while surveillance and attack drones saturate the skies to identify Ukrainian soldiers equipped with portable antiaircraft missile systems.

For now, despite Ukrainian efforts to shift the momentum of the war, the Kremlin remains committed to its offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces continue to face a challenging battle, aiming to hold positions under relentless bombardments while strategizing a counterpunch against the advancing Russian forces.

The ability to counter this devastating threat remains a top priority for Ukraine, both militarily and diplomatically. As they mount a cross-border incursion into the Kursk region of Russia, Ukrainian authorities hope to draw in more Russian forces for defense, providing some relief along the eastern front.

However, the Kremlin's determination to maintain its offensive operations casts doubts on the success of this strategy. The war in eastern Ukraine, with its destructive glide bombs and constant punches and counterpunches, shows no signs of abating, leaving Ukrainian troops in a constant state of vulnerability and uncertainty.