Russia May Intensify Attacks on Kyiv's Energy Infrastructure - ISW
Russia is likely preparing for a new wave of attacks on the energy infrastructure of the capital and other Ukrainian cities. The Institute for the Study of War believes that Vladimir Putin has no interest in negotiations as long as he has the ability to launch ballistic strikes against Ukraine with impunity.
Why Putin Doesn’t Want Peace
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) note that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not agree to any negotiations as long as Russia is able to launch ballistic missile strikes against Kyiv and other cities with impunity.
The reason is a severe shortage of missiles for the Patriot systems. These anti-aircraft missile systems are the only means capable of shooting down Russian ballistic missiles.
The shortage of interceptor missiles leaves the skies defenseless
The ISW emphasizes the catastrophic consequences of the shortage of interceptor missiles as winter approaches. The lack of ammunition leaves Ukrainian airspace defenseless against attacks.
Exploiting this vulnerability, the Kremlin has deliberately reoriented its defense production toward the manufacture of ballistic missiles.
"The reorientation of Russia’s production efforts toward ballistic missiles will support the Kremlin’s attempts to use the coming winter to break Ukraine’s will to resist. The Kremlin believes it can exploit Ukraine’s shortage of interceptor missiles to avoid the need to engage in substantive negotiations or make concessions on its maximalist demands,” the report states.
Putin’s “Theory of Victory”
The ISW emphasizes that the impunity of ballistic missile attacks has finally convinced the Russian dictator of the effectiveness of his “theory of victory.”
It is based on the assumption that Russia can win a war of attrition if Russian troops maintain constant pressure on the front lines while missiles strike Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. In this way, the Kremlin hopes to deplete Ukraine’s resources and wear down the West’s patience.
“It is reported that the Kremlin plans to launch a large-scale strike campaign against energy infrastructure in Kyiv over the coming weeks with the aim of thwarting Ukraine’s efforts to fortify energy facilities and taking advantage of the chronic shortage ofinterceptor missiles in Ukraine,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, last night, air defenses shot down 98 enemy drones during a massive attack by Russia.
This was reported with reference to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Zelenskyy stated that Putin is preparing a covert mobilization.
