Russia used energy ceasefire to prepare massive strike on Ukraine - UK intel
Photo: aftermath of the April 24 attack in Kyiv (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Russian military used the so-called energy ceasefire to replenish its missile stockpiles ahead of a large-scale strike on Ukraine on April 24, according to the UK Ministry of Defense.
"This combination of munitions almost certainly sought to complicate and saturate Ukrainian Air Defence efforts. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 112 munitions, as well as interdicting others via electronic warfare," the intelligence update said.
According to the report, Kh-101 cruise missiles remain Russia’s primary weapon for large-scale strikes. The UK MoD suggests the "recent 30-day energy ceasefire" likely allowed Russia to replenish its stocks, which had been used only twice since early March.
"Rebuilding its stockpile enables long-range aviation to sit ready to conduct strikes such as these with little to no notice, at a time of Russia’s choosing, as Russia continues normal strike operations," the statement added.
Russian missile strike on Kyiv
On the night of April 24, Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, with the Sviatoshynskyi district suffering the most damage. A residential high-rise building was partially destroyed, trapping civilians under the rubble.
Twelve people were killed and 90 were injured in the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strike was Russia's attempt to pressure the US amid Washington’s efforts to end the war quickly. He later clarified that a North Korean ballistic missile was used in the attack.
