The A10 is not well set up to deal with intense air defense environments. It had a role in the Cold War days when the threat was enemy tank columns running ahead of their own SAM umbrella, and the manpads of the day were pretty poor.
But unless the enemy has gone through a thorough SEAD treatment, thats not a possibility today. And since A10’s are all about low altitude weapons, modern manpads may be too much for them, and SEAD isnt going to suppress those.
These days I think the A10 should be looked at as a “colonial war” or COIN (counterinsurgency) aircraft. Not suitable for high intensity warfare.
You are correct.
I would add that UKR needs an aircraft that can intercept and shoot down cruise missiles at night.
The A-10 cannot do that.
F-16s can.