Ukraine’s success or failure in the coming months will largely depend on whether it can defend its skies against Russian ballistic missiles and faster jet-powered attack drones, Brig. Gen. Andriy Biletsky said at the annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference in Kyiv. “Our victory or defeat will depend on whether we can protect Ukrainian skies this winter,” said Biletsky, commander of Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. He said Ukraine must counter two principal threats: ballistic missiles and jet-powered attack drones, including Shahed- and Banderol-type weapons. If Ukraine withstands Russia’s winter air campaign and prevents further battlefield advances, Moscow could face a fundamental decision over whether to continue the war, Biletsky said. “If we pass this test with dignity and effectiveness, I think March or April will confront Russia with an existential question: Why and how should it continue the war if it has not achieved any of its strategic objectives?” he said. That moment could create an opportunity for negotiations and a lasting peace largely on Ukraine’s terms, Biletsky added. The commander said Russia is pursuing two main strategic objectives: completing its occupation of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions and weakening the country’s ability to resist through attacks on civilians, energy facilities, industry, and the economy.