UK officials made the statement in their latest intelligence update on the war in Ukraine, published on the X social media platform on Saturday.
Last winter, Russia carried out a series of long-range strikes on Ukraine’s national energy infrastructure, using air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs), the British ministry of defence noted.
Russia used strategic aircraft to strike from deep within its own territory, according to the RBC-Ukraine news agency.
Britain’s ministry of defence stated: “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.”
UK officials predicted: "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.”
According to experts, Russia won’t be able to leave Ukrainians without power this winter, RBC-Ukraine reported.
At the same time, the Kremlin may be preparing attacks, including with the Shahed unmanned aerial vehicles, according to military officials in Kyiv.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said the relevant central and regional agencies were already preparing for the winter, according to RBC-Ukraine.
The country’s energy providers are making allowances for the worst-case scenario of massive Russian shelling, the RBC-Ukraine news agency reported.
Saturday is day 570 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.
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Source: UK Ministry of Defence, RBC-Ukraine