Since December 29, 2023, russia has increased the intensity of its long-range strike operations against Ukraine. Its forces have committed a significant proportion of the stock of air launched cruise missiles and ballistic missiles they had built up over recent months, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
The recent strikes likely primarily targeted Ukraine’s defense industry. This contrasts with its major attacks last winter which prioritized striking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Russia appeared set to restart this campaign by hitting energy sites in early December 2023.
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These new operations suggest at least a temporary change of approach in russia’s use of long-range strikes. Russian planners almost certainly recognize the growing importance of relative defense industrial capacity as they prepare for a long war.
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