News of War Staff Writer
Local residents look at a crater near their residential building damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Shostka, Sumy region Ukraine January 13, 2024. REUTERS/Oleh Tymoshenko/File Photo
Russia Shifts Focus in Air Strikes to Ukrainian Military-Industrial Complex; Energy Facilities Remain at Risk
According to a statement quoted on Monday by the RBC-Ukraine news site, a senior Ukrainian military intelligence official reported that Russia's recent air attacks have primarily targeted Ukraine's military-industrial complex. Despite this shift, the threat to energy facilities continues to be high.
Ukrainian officials have been cautioning for months about the potential of Russian missile and drone strikes on the country's energy system, especially with the approach of a second winter. These concerns stem from last year's experience when air strikes severely damaged power facilities, leading to widespread blackouts affecting millions.
Vadym Skibitsky, the deputy head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, commented on the major Russian air strikes that have occurred since December 29. He noted that this year's trend differs, with attacks mainly focusing on military-industrial targets, including headquarters, control systems, and units stationed at the front line.
Skibitsky highlighted the inaccuracy of the weapons used in these strikes, which has unfortunately resulted in civilian casualties. He specifically mentioned the extensive use of Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles in December, estimating that Russia employed approximately 770-780 drones in its attacks.
The end of the year saw Moscow intensifying its air strikes, including one of the largest aerial assaults since the conflict began nearly two years ago.
While the Ukrainian military usually does not provide detailed information on the aftermath of Russian strikes on its military complexes, it has acknowledged that these facilities were among the recent targets.
These attacks coincide with Kyiv's increased efforts to boost domestic military production. The aim is to secure stable supply lines and reduce dependence on foreign partners, who face their own shortages and are unable to fully satisfy Kyiv's battlefield requirements.
Despite the current focus on military-industrial targets, Skibitsky warned that Ukraine's energy grid remains vulnerable. He disclosed that Russian forces continue to conduct surveillance of Ukrainian energy facilities, poised to launch strikes if deemed necessary.