On the persuasion of British intelligence officers, Russia decided to change its approach to the task of striking Ukraine from a long distance. Now it is trying to destroy the defense capabilities, not the energy infrastructure of Ukraine.
What can Ukrainians expect from Russia shortly?
The Ministry of Defense of Great Britain draws attention to the fact that since December 29, 2023, the aggressor country has increased the intensity of its long-range strikes on Ukraine.
During this attack, a large part of the stockpile of air-launched cruise and ballistic missiles, which the Russian Federation had been accumulating in recent months, was used.
The recent strikes likely primarily targeted at Ukraine's defense industry. This contrasts with major strikes last winter, which prioritised Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Many experts were convinced that the aggressor country intends to resume this campaign by striking energy facilities in early December 2023.
However, the latest actions of the Russian army indicate that it has, at least temporarily, decided to change its approach to the task of long-range strikes.
These new Russian operations suggest and will almost certainly recognise the growing importance of relative defense industrial capacity as they prepare for a long war, the British Ministry of Defense explains.
What is essential to understand is that over the past five days, Russia has fired at least 500 missiles and attack drones over the territory of Ukraine.
Massive Russian attack on Ukraine on January 2: what is essential to know
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi, officially confirmed that Russia launched 99 missiles of various types at Ukraine, of which they were able to destroy 72.
Our air defense forces could shoot down 10 out of 10 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, 59 out of 70 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles and 3 out of 3 Kalibr cruise missiles.
According to the latest data, five people died, and another 127 were injured.
The enemy hit Kyiv, Kyiv region and Kharkiv.
