Russia may be stockpiling ballistic missiles for winter strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure
An escalation of attacks is expected from late October or early November
Russia over the past weeks may have changed the tactics of air strikes on Ukraine: reducing the use of ballistic missiles while increasing the number of rocket drones. As Bloomberg notes, this may indicate that the most powerful missiles are being stockpiled ahead of a new season of strikes.
Particular concern is the potential use of these stockpiles against Ukraine‘s energy and heating infrastructure in winter. According to the estimates cited, the intensity of such attacks could increase from late October or early November.
Ballistic missiles are among the most difficult aerial targets to intercept. Against the backdrop of preparations for winter, one of the main problems for Ukraine remains the shortage of interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems, which are used, in particular, against ballistic threats.
The Ukrainian government is preparing for a difficult heating season and is considering various courses of action in case of widespread damage to the energy infrastructure. Among such measures is the further expansion of the network of “Points of Invincibility”.
European partners have also joined the winter preparations. According to Bloomberg, allies are mobilizing available resources, including spare parts for power plants and equipment for heating systems.
Germany and a number of other European countries said in September they intend to step up support for Ukraine with air defense capabilities. Specifically, this concerns additional Patriot batteries and missiles for them.
Ukrainian experts have also warned of the risk of intensified Russian strikes in winter. In their view, Russia may be stockpiling resources for large-scale combined attacks, attempting to inflict maximum damage on Ukraine’s energy sector.
The Russians also struck the oldest building of the Zaporizhzhia National University.
Earlier we wrote:
- In Kyiv they discussed a return to trilateral talks and a winter package
- Over 300,000 without power: Russians struck Mykolaiv’s energy infrastructure with “Shaheds”
- Ukraine is receiving three times fewer missiles for Patriot: Zelensky suggested political pressure from partners
- Stocks exhausted: Zelensky asks Trump for 300 Patriot interceptors before winter
- “Tsentrenergo” stopped generation: all thermal power plants taken offline after the most massive attack since the start of the war
