The British Ministry of Defense says Russia has the ability to launch missiles against Ukraine

The British Ministry of Defense said on Saturday (16) that Russia may have the capacity to produce a large quantity of air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) and that there is a real possibility of using them against infrastructure in Ukraine. This generates great geopolitical controversy and tension between neighboring and international countries.

_{Archive photo of the missile cruiser “Moskva” in Sevastopol, Crimea. (Image: copy/Reuters/Aleksey Pavlishak)}

Ministry of Defense

“Between October 2022 and March 2023, Russia focused long-range attacks on Ukraine’s national energy infrastructure.”The Ministry of Defense said in the statement published on X, previously Twitter.

The Ministry of Defense also notes that according to reports, as of April this year, there has been a decrease in expenditures related to cruise missiles (ALCM), but the Russian authorities have shown interest in increasing the production of these missiles.

“Russia is therefore likely to be able to generate a significant stockpile of ALCM missiles. There is a real possibility that Russia will refocus these weapons on Ukrainian infrastructure targets over the winter.”I finish.

Penalties

On Wednesday (13), Ukraine requested tougher and more advanced sanctions against Russia, in response to reports that the country has managed to circumvent sanctions and export controls imposed by the West to expand its missile production.

Last winter was a challenge for many Ukrainians, as Russian forces fired numerous missiles and drones at the country’s energy infrastructure, apparently with the aim of disabling the power grid.

This temporarily led to a lack of electricity, heat and water for millions of people. At one point last October, nearly 40% of Ukraine’s regular power supply was offline, Ukrainian state energy company, Ukrainergo, reported.

Sanctions previously applied by Ukraine to Russia:

1. Financial and Economic Sanctions: Ukraine has imposed financial and economic restrictions on Russian companies and individuals, as well as Russian companies operating in Ukraine.

2. Trade embargo: Restrictions have been imposed on trade with Russia, including a ban on imports of some Russian products.

3. Travel Restrictions: Ukrainian authorities have imposed travel bans and asset freezes against Russian and Ukrainian individuals they consider to be involved in activities harmful to Ukraine.

4. Suspension of Bilateral Agreements: Ukraine has suspended or terminated several bilateral agreements and treaties with Russia.

5. Diplomatic isolation: Ukraine worked to isolate Russia diplomatically, and requested support from countries and international organizations in its actions.

6. Appeal to the international community: Ukraine called on the international community to adopt sanctions and similar measures against Russia in response to the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

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Featured image: Vladimir Putin in a speech. Reproduction/Brendan Smalowski/AFP