Russia Strikes Ukraine with Ballistic Missiles Straight from the Factory
On 24 February 2026, Defense Ministry adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov stated that Russian occupation forces are using ballistic missiles produced at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 to attack Ukraine.
According to Beskrestnov, the enemy is effectively firing missiles “straight off the assembly line,” demonstrating the continuous and high-speed production of weapons under wartime conditions. The main challenge for Ukraine’s air defense remains ballistic missiles, which can be effectively countered only by systems like Patriot missile system, whose resources and missile stocks among global partners are limited.
Currently, Russia can produce about 60 Iskander missiles per month, with approximately 90% of their components made in Russia. Beskrestnov noted that the confrontation has entered a phase of attrition, where Russian production capabilities are directly competing with the worldwide military aid provided to Ukraine.
Besides Iskanders, the threat also comes from missiles launched from S-300 and S-400 systems, which Russia continues to use extensively to strike Ukrainian cities.
As a solution, Beskrestnov advocates a comprehensive approach, including: development of Ukraine’s own anti-ballistic systems with partner support, maximum fortification of critical infrastructure, ensuring each thermal power plant or 750 kV substation can withstand direct hits, economic pressure on Russia, since ballistic missile production is extremely expensive, and reducing Russia’s financial resources would automatically limit new missile output.
During a massive combined attack on the night of 22 February 2026, Russian occupation forces likely shifted the focus of their strikes.
On the night of 24 February 2026, Russian forces conducted a massive assault on Ukraine, using ballistic weapons and over a hundred drones of various modifications.
