Photo: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine / Defence Intelligence of Ukraine spokesperson Vadym Skibitskyi

The war is entering a new phase. Russia is preparing unprecedented attacks on the territory of Ukraine, planning to use up to 500 attack drones simultaneously. This was warned by the Deputy Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, inan interview with RBC-Ukraine.

According to him, the Russian command is already actively increasing the production of drones and improving logistics to attack from different directions using an extensive network of launch sites.

“According to the Russian command, if the plans for the first half of the year are fulfilled, they will be able to launch about 500 unmanned aerial vehicles at a time,” Skibitsky said.

He stressed that Russia’s goals have not changed: the strikes are aimed at the command and control system of the Armed Forces, Ukrainian aviation and airfields, energy and gas transportation infrastructure, as well as defence industry enterprises.

Recently, there has been an increase in attacks on the gas transmission system and fields, as the Kremlin is trying to leave Ukraine without its own energy resources on the eve of a difficult period.

But the main concern of analysts is the change in Russian tactics. Now, strikes are planned as systematically as possible to inflict complex damage and hit critical points simultaneously.

It is expected that in the spring the aggressor will try to implement a scenario of a massive air offensive, along with sabotage attacks and provocations in various parts of the frontline.

Ukrainian intelligence is closely monitoring the enemy’s preparations and has already passed on relevant data to its partners. It is important not only to strengthen air defence systems, but also to coordinate with allies to counter this threat.

For now, the main question for the whole country is whether the Ukrainian sky will withstand another challenge.