Russia poised for “massive attack” on Ukraine as winter approaches, official warns

Russia has amassed significant missile stockpiles and prepared its strategic aviation forces for a potential large-scale winter assault on Ukraine, a senior Ukrainian official warned today.

Nov 13, 2024 - 16:00
Russia poised for “massive attack” on Ukraine as winter approaches, official warns

Ukrainian troops winter

Andrii Kovalenko, a senior official at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, announced that Russia has amassed a substantial stockpile of cruise missiles and strategic aviation forces, positioning them for a potential large-scale attack on Ukraine as winter sets in.

According to Kovalenko’s statement on Telegram, Moscow has been actively preparing for a “massive attack,” with missiles and drones ready for deployment in the coming weeks.

The buildup includes concentrated missile stockpiles at Russian strategic air bases, where air forces and launch tactics are being tested, he reported. These simulated launches, while not targeting Ukraine directly, aim to keep Russian forces on high alert and exert psychological pressure on Ukraine, intensifying the threat of a sudden offensive.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte echoed the concern, warning that Ukraine is bracing for its “harshest winter since 2022,” as the possibility of further damage to its energy infrastructure looms. Ukrainians, still coping with last year’s damage to their power systems, now fear that new assaults could lead to prolonged blackouts as temperatures continue to drop.

Kovalenko reassured that Ukraine’s military is fully aware of Russia’s plans and prepared to counter any escalation. However, with winter energy demands at their peak, the situation remains critical, and officials are urging citizens to prepare for potential power outages and further disruptions as Russia’s threats intensify.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!