Russia thought to be changing approach as missile strikes on Ukraine intensify
Russia is increasing the intensity of its long-range strikes against Ukraine in what is believed to be a change of approach, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Ukraine's defence industry is believed to have become Russia's primary target.
"Russian planners almost certainly recognise the growing importance of relative defence industrial capacity as they prepare for a long war," the MOD said in its most recent intelligence update.
The MOD stated: "Since 29 December 2023, Russia has increased the intensity of its long-range strike operations against Ukraine.
"Its forces have committed a significant proportion of the stock of air-launched cruise missiles and ballistic missiles they had built up over recent months.
"The recent strikes likely primarily targeted Ukraine's defence industry. This contrasts with its major attacks last winter which prioritised striking Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Russia appeared set to restart this campaign by hitting energy sites in early December 2023.
"These new operations suggest at least a temporary change of approach in Russia's use of long-range strikes."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded to these recent attacks, denouncing them as "absolutely conscious terror".
He said: "Russia has already used almost 300 missiles and more than 200 drones against Ukraine.
"No other country so far has repelled similar attacks by combined drones and missiles.
"Today alone 10 Kinzhal missiles were shot down."
General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Ukraine, said his forces had successfully destroyed a record number of missiles sent by Russia.
He wrote: "The air force of the armed forces of Ukraine downed 10 out of 10 Kinzhal Kh-47M2 [air-launched ballistic] missiles with the help of the Patriot AD system.
"This is a record. If the missiles hit their targets, the consequences would be catastrophic."
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