Russia could have lifted A-50 into air to prepare for new strike, expert says
Illustrative photo: Russia raised the A-50 aircraft into the air (rossZMI)
Russia has launched its A-50 reconnaissance aircraft for the first time in six months. This could indicate preparations for a new massive strike on Ukraine, states Oleksandr Musiienko, a serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Territorial Defense and military expert, in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
He emphasized that Russian mass attacks on Ukraine are a predictable development, especially against the backdrop of the United States suspending aid to Ukraine and halting intelligence sharing.
"Unfortunately, it's predictable. We wouldn't want it to be this way, but he (Russian President Vladimir Putin – ed.) heard about the suspension of aid and thinks that now is the time to try and exhaust Ukraine's air defense system. It's obvious. And that's why such actions will happen," Musiienko added.
According to the expert, he doesn't consider the Russian A-50 being lifted into the air as a display of strength. Such actions by the aggressor don't affect Ukraine. Moreover, Ukrainian defenders have already shot down an A-50.
"They (the Russian army – ed.) generally want to study our capabilities and abilities. They need additional elements to act and possibly make their air strikes more effective. And here it seems to me that this, unfortunately, is not just a show or propaganda for demonstration purposes. Most likely, it could be preparation for strikes," he clarified.
Musiienko believes that Russia "will search all its missile storage sites" to launch strikes on Ukraine, aiming to create a stronger position for negotiations and try to demoralize Ukrainians.
"I think Putin's intentions may be obvious. For now, at least, there is no ceasefire in the air, and it's unclear whether it will happen. At least on Ukraine's side, the will is there, and it's constructive. But we understand that, so far, Russia's actions show that they don't support such a decision, at least for now. So, the risks of large-scale attacks certainly remain," the expert emphasized.
Massive strike on Ukraine on March 7
On the night of March 7, Russian forces launched 67 missiles and 194 strike drones at Ukraine. As a result, civilian infrastructure was damaged.
Ukrainian defenders managed to shoot down 34 missiles and 100 Russian drones. Additionally, 86 drones were lost in specific locations.
