Russia trying to disrupt Ukraine’s preparations for counterattack: Kyiv

Russia has shifted the focus of its missile strikes on Ukraine to try to disrupt preparations for a Ukrainian counterattack, a senior Ukrainian military intelligence official said.

After months of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Russian forces are now increasingly targeting military facilities and supplies, said Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Head of the Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

“Previously, they failed to knock out our energy system, and now they have completely different priorities – to disrupt our plans and preparations for active (military) action during the spring-summer campaign,” he told the RBK-Ukraine news portal.

He said the Russians were striking decision-making centers, supply routes and places where large quantities of ammunition, equipment, fuel or troops were concentrated.

“The enemy began to pay special attention to the areas where our air defense equipment is located,” Skibitskyi added.

He also said Russian aviation was now targeting areas on or near the front line more often than before.

Russia, whose air strikes have also often hit residential areas across Ukraine, did not immediately comment on Skibitskyi’s remarks.

Ukraine has said it is planning a counteroffensive to try retake territory occupied by Russian forces, but that recent advances around the eastern city of Bakhmut do mean the assault has started.

Read more: Iran, Russia expanding their ‘unprecedented’ defense partnership: White House