FT: Russia ramps up missile production ahead of potential renewed aerial offensive

Amid mounting tensions, Ukrainian officials and Western analysts have cautioned that Russia may be preparing to launch a renewed large-scale aerial campaign, potentially synchronized with a fresh ground offensive.

A notable surge in Russian missile and drone strikes over the recent weekend is being viewed as a possible precursor to a broader, intensified assault strategy, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Experts suggest that this uptick marks the initial phase of Russia’s efforts to overwhelm Ukraine’s increasingly stretched air defences.

Reports indicate that Russia is now producing missiles and drones at a pace exceeding their deployment, enabling the Kremlin to amass substantial stockpiles of advanced weaponry. This accelerated production capacity allows Moscow to sustain prolonged pressure on Ukrainian forces and infrastructure.

The growing missile reserves underscore a critical challenge for Ukraine, which faces an urgent need for enhanced Western military support to maintain its air defence capabilities. However, continued American aid remains uncertain amid shifting political priorities, while European contributions have thus far been insufficient to fully offset the shortfall—particularly in the domain of sophisticated air defence systems.

The evolving dynamics place Ukraine in a precarious position, reliant on sustained international assistance to counter the intensifying Russian threat. As Moscow bolsters its missile arsenal, the strategic balance in the conflict may hinge on the extent and timeliness of Western support to Kyiv’s defence efforts.

By Vafa Guliyeva