Russia-Ukraine war live: Moscow likely stockpiling missiles for winter onslaught on Ukraine’s energy facilities, says UK

Russia likely boosting capacity to attack Ukrainian energy facilities, says UK MoD

Russia will probably be able to build a significant stockpile of air-launched cruise missiles and use them to target Ukrainian infrastructure over the coming winter, the UK Ministry of Defence says.

In its latest intelligence update, the ministry said air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) – particularly the modern AS-23a Kodiak – were at the heart of most of Russia’s long-range strikes against Ukraine’s national energy infrastructure between October 2022 and March 2023.

Firefighters at work after a Russian attack targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv in October 2022. Photograph: State Emergency Service of Ukraine/UPI/Rex/Shutterstock

Russia used strategic bomber aircraft to release those munitions from deep within Russian territory, the ministry said in its update, posted on X.

Open source reports suggest that since April 2023, ALCM expenditure rates have reduced, while Russian leaders have highlighted efforts to increase the rate of cruise missile production.

Russia is therefore likely able to generate a significant stockpile of ALCMs. There is a realistic possibility Russia will again focus these weapons against Ukrainian infrastructure targets over the winter.