Russia can strike Ukraine almost weekly with enough missiles for 5-8 more attacks, expert says
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
The threat of repeated massive Russian shelling of Ukraine may persist until the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Russian president Vladimir Putin may repeat such attacks almost every week, as Oleksandr Musiienko, head of the Center for Military Law Research, told RBC-Ukraine.
According to Musiienko, the timing of the next massive missile attack on Ukraine will depend on what style of preparation Russia chooses. It is likely that before the attack, the Russians will again conduct simulated launches from strategic aviation and launch a large number of drones.
“Putin is interested in stretching the process as long as possible until Trump's inauguration. He has a political goal, in addition to putting pressure on Ukraine and waging terror, to finally form a vision before Trump's inauguration that there is no alternative but to force Ukraine to make concessions, since Russia retains the potential and capabilities to launch such large-scale attacks,” the expert believes.
How many more missile attacks could be
According to Musiienko, such large-scale Russian attacks as today's can occur at intervals of two weeks or once a week until the New Year or early January. But real attacks will be interspersed with simulated air raids.
“In general, Russia's potential from what they could accumulate over almost three months - there can be 4-5 large-scale attacks, and smaller attacks - up to 6-7-8 attacks, with a small number of missiles,” he added.
According to the expert, in the next month and a half, the Russians will try to “create a picture” for the future US administration.
Shelling of Ukraine on November 17
On the morning of November 17, Russians massively attacked Ukraine with drones and missiles. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the enemy used 120 missiles and 90 drones. Air defense forces managed to destroy more than 140 air targets.
Kyiv and a number of regions were under attack. Russian troops mainly tried to attack critical infrastructure and energy facilities. According to DTEK, the Russians attacked a number of thermal power plants.
Read more about the consequences of Russia's attack on Ukraine in RBC-Ukraine's report.
