Moscow's assaults on Ukrainian power infrastructure utilized cruise missiles and Iranian Shahed drones and resulted in power outages affecting millions of people.
Recent intelligence reports reveal Moscow's drive to develop domestic plants producing Shahed-136-based attack drones, according to Reuters. Vadym Skybytskyi, a Ukrainian intelligence official, warned that Moscow might also simultaneously deploy drones and missiles, further challenging Ukraine's defensive response.
Meanwhile, restoration efforts from last winter's damage are largely complete. Kyiv has strengthened its air defense, incorporating the newly-acquired German Gepard systems. This main battle tank-mounted defense mechanism has shot down five Shahed drones in the past month, boasting a 100% success rate.
Experts anticipate potential Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as early as late September.
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Source: Reuters, IAR