ISW identifies new key targets for Russian missile strikes in Ukraine
Photo: Vladimir Putin (GettyImages)
During a massive combined attack on Ukraine on the night of February 21-22, Russian troops may have shifted their priority targets from energy infrastructure to water and rail infrastructure, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Russian massive attack on Ukraine
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched 347 missiles and drones at Ukraine overnight, in particular:
-
297 strike drones of various types, including about 200 Shahed drones;
- 50 missiles, including hypersonic Zircons, ballistic Iskander-M/S-400, cruise missiles Kh-101, Iskander-K, and Kh-59/69.
Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 274 drones and 33 missiles. In particular, almost all Kh-101 missiles were destroyed, as well as all Iskander-K and Kh-59/69 missiles.
Change in targets of Russian strikes
ISW analysts note that during this attack, Russia likely shifted its focus from destroying Ukraine's energy system to striking logistics, particularly rail and water infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that the main targets were logistics facilities, including railways and water supply systems.
At the same time, analysts emphasize that Russia may continue to combine such strikes with attempts to exhaust the energy infrastructure.
Analysts' assessment
The ISW believes that the change in attack targets may indicate an adaptation of Russian strategy after attempts to destroy Ukraine's energy sector with massive strikes in winter.
At the same time, experts emphasize that Russia is likely to continue striking the energy system, combining it with attacks on logistics and critical infrastructure.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during the so-called energy truce, the Russian army refocused its strikes on logistics.
