Russia Adopts Missile-Strike Tactics Shift from Energy Sector to Military Facilities - British Intel

According to British intelligence reports, Russia has altered its strategy for large-scale strikes against Ukraine, shifting its focus from the energy sector to the defense industry.

“Russian planners almost certainly recognize the growing importance of relative defense industrial capacity as they prepare for a long war,” the British intelligence service stated.

Since Dec. 29, 2023, Russia has increased the intensity of its strikes against Ukraine. The Kremlin has used a significant portion of the stockpile of air-launched missiles that have been produced in recent months.

British Intelligence emphasizes that the Russian shelling of energy facilities in early December indicated that Russia was going to resume energy terror, but the military leadership has now changed its tactics.

Since December 29, Russia has launched nearly 300 missiles and more than 200 drones against Ukraine.

Moscow claimed to have struck only military installations, but Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said Russia was deliberately hitting critical infrastructure and residential neighbourhoods.

Kyiv urged Western allies to respond to the bombardment by speeding up the delivery of air defence equipment, combat drones and long-range missiles at a time when allied backing has wavered.

Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said late Tuesday he had discussed the attacks with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

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"We agreed on the importance of strengthening Ukrainian air defence," he said.

Kyiv said Moscow fired 99 missiles on Tuesday but 72 were downed, while Russia said it had shot down nine Ukrainian missiles over the Belgorod region.

In Kyiv, a building near the centre of the city was partly destroyed. Two people were killed and 49 injured in the capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said.

"It's a residential building. They hit a residential building," said Violetta Solovyova, 56.

Galyna Solovyova, 79, suffered a head wound in the strike that destroyed her home. 

"It's a real horror to be left without... everything. And we don't know about the neighbours. They're people we know. How are they?" she asked, her head bandaged. 

Ukraine interior minister Igor Klymenko said another two people were killed in the Kyiv region.