Ukraine reports shift in Russian missile targets to defence industry

By Defence Industry Europe

Military analysts in the United States believe Russia could launch further major air attacks on Ukraine like the one that killed several dozen people on Friday, which was the largest barrage of missiles and drones since the start of the war.
Kh-101, Russian air-launched cruise missile. Photo: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.

Ukrainian military intelligence has observed a significant change in Russian military strategy, with recent missile attacks focusing on Ukraine’s defence industry facilities, a shift from last winter's targeting of the energy sector. According to Vadym Skibitskyi, a representative of Ukrainian military intelligence, while the immediate threat to energy infrastructure has decreased, it still persists.

 

Russia’s campaign against Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which lasted from fall 2022 to spring 2023, resulted in extensive damage and widespread blackouts across the country. The latest air assaults, however, have not targeted power facilities. Skibitskyi noted, “Currently, Russia’s main efforts are directed at destroying our defence industry facilities, headquarters, command and control systems, and units at the front line.”

 

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Skibitskyi also highlighted the inefficiency of Russian weaponry, particularly the Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which he described as inaccurate and causing more civilian than military harm.

Despite the current focus on defence facilities, Skibitskyi warned that the threat to Ukraine’s energy sector is not eliminated. Russia continues to monitor these facilities through satellite imagery, poised to strike if deemed necessary. This indicates a continued risk to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure amidst ongoing massive air attacks by Russia involving hundreds of different missiles.

 

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