Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine will not only defend itself against Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure but will also retaliate.
“This year we will not only protect ourselves, but we will also respond,” Zelensky said.
He noted that the Kremlin is aware of Ukraine’s intent to retaliate, as Russia first removed its fleet from Crimea and is now repositioning its aircraft farther from Ukraine’s borders.
Zelensky’s remarks come after officials reported that Russia is preparing to resume its attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure for the upcoming winter.
In August 2023, Yurii Ihnat, the spokesperson of the Air Forces Command of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, said that Russia will likely resume its strikes on the critical infrastructure of Ukraine during the upcoming heating season.
In September 2023 the UK intel reported that Russia has increased cruise missile production, likely indicating preparations for missile strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure over winter.
Between October 2022 and March 2023, Russia launched multiple missile strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Most of these strikes were carried out by air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs), particularly the advanced AC-23a KODIAC. Russia uses strategic bomber aircraft to strike with these munitions deep within Russian territory.
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