Media reports alleged Russian preparation for mass missile attack: Ukrainian military insight
Natalia Humeniuk, spokeswoman of the Defense Forces of the South of Ukraine (Photo: Getty Images)
Russia has taken a certain pause and maintains a break in the large-scale missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine. This may indicate that the aggressor is likely preparing for another massive strike, according to Natalia Humeniuk, a spokeswoman of the Defense Forces of the South of Ukraine, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
Today, Ukrainian media, citing Humeniuk's words, began spreading information about Russia allegedly preparing for another massive missile strike. However, according to her explanation to RBC-Ukraine, it was about Russia taking a certain pause between strikes on Ukraine. This could indicate either preparation for something massive or that the aggressor country has incurred losses in aviation, hence the pause.
"We are talking about if the Russians are holding a pause (in strikes - Ed.), then it is not excluded that they are preparing for a new attack. Now we see that they are using pinpoint attacks. It is understandable that now, against the background of aircraft losses, they are taking a break. Consequently, they may be preparing a massive attack," says Humeniuk.
However, the spokeswoman notes that such a pause in shelling does not mean that a massive attack will definitely occur.
"We are talking about how they occasionally carry out massive attacks. Based on our dates this week, we can assume that they may be preparing something similar. But this does not mean that the Russians are definitely preparing for an attack," she emphasizes.
Rocket attack on Ukraine
The last large-scale missile strike by Russia on Ukraine was on the night of February 15-16. Then, around 2:00 Kyiv time, six strategic bombers Tu-95 took off from the Olenya airfield in the Murmansk region.
Around 5:00 in the morning, an air alarm was announced in a number of regions, which later spread throughout the territory of Ukraine. The Air Force reported the launch of Caliber missiles by Russians from the Black Sea.
After 6:00 in the morning, explosions were heard in Kyiv. Air defense systems were also loudly active in Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia.
In Lviv, the hit of a rocket within the city limits was recorded. Explosive waves blew out windows in several buildings.
Destruction of Russian aircraft
Prior to this, the Ukrainian military shot down six enemy aircraft in the past week.
In particular, on February 19, two Russian aircraft were shot down in the east. On February 18, the Armed Forces eliminated a Russian Su-34 fighter bomber in the east.
On February 17, it became known that the Ukrainian Air Force destroyed three Russian aircraft - two Su-34 fighter-bombers and one Su-35 fighter. They were also shot down on the eastern front.
