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Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow boosting its arsenal, capacity for winter onslaught, says UK

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow boosting its arsenal, capacity for winter onslaught, says UK

Russia's attack on Ukraine

The United Kingdom defence ministry claimed on Saturday (September 16) that Russia will most likely be able to assemble a significant stockpile of air-launched cruise missiles to use them to strike Ukrainian infrastructure over the coming winter.

The latest intelligence update by the ministry suggests that the air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs), particularly the modern AS-23a KODIAK, were central to most of Russia's long-range strikes against Ukraine's national energy infrastructure between October 2022 and March 2023.

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The defence intelligence added that Moscow uses strategic bomber aircraft to release these munitions from deep within Russian territory.

In a post shared on X, the defence ministry said: "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," it added.

Zelensky to visit the White House

the White House announced Friday (September 15) that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will pay his second wartime visit to Washington next week, in a bid to solidify the support of his country's crucial ally. The US has already shipped billions of dollars in aid to fight Russia.

Zelensky will travel to the White House on Thursday for talks with President Joe Biden and also hold meetings at the US Congress, where elements of the rival Republican Party are hesitant as Biden seeks to push through a major new package for Kyiv.

Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that the trip comes at a "critical time" as Ukraine wages a counteroffensive against Russia.

The US president will reaffirm "his commitment to continuing to lead the world in supporting Ukraine as it defends its independence, its sovereignty and its territorial integrity," Sullivan told reporters.

(With inputs from agencies)

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