HUR: Russia may use new ballistic missile against western oblasts of Ukraine
Russia plans to conduct final tests of a new type of ballistic missile with a range of up to 800 km by the end of 2026. The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine warns that during these tests, Russian forces may attempt to strike targets in the western oblasts of Ukraine.
Deputy Head of the HUR, Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, stated this at a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Council Ukraine — NATO.
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, Russia continues to increase the intensity of missile and drone attacks while simultaneously working to expand the capabilities of its missile arsenal.
“According to our estimates, by the end of this year Russia plans to conduct final tests of a new type of ballistic missiles with a range of up to 800 kilometers,” — Skibitskyi reported.
He specified that during such tests, the Russian side may use new missiles for real strikes on Ukrainian territory. One possible direction of use could be targets in the western part of the country.
The HUR believes that Moscow seeks not only to increase the production volume of ballistic missiles but also to extend the range of these weapons. According to intelligence assessments, the Russian leadership views the intensification of missile and drone attacks as a tool of pressure on Ukraine and an attempt to provoke a socio-economic crisis.
Earlier, Skibitskyi reported that Russian industry is fulfilling and in certain types of weapons even exceeding missile production plans. In particular, the HUR warned that there is no reason to expect a long pause in Russian missile attacks.
The intelligence representative also stated that Moscow's strategic plans remain unchanged: Russia continues the war of attrition and has not abandoned the attempt to destroy Ukrainian statehood.
