Russia Shifts Rocket Strike Tactics in Ukraine

Russia Launches Massive Strike on Ukraine: UK Intelligence

In the early hours of December 13, 2024, Russia unleashed another large-scale attack on Ukraine, according to British intelligence. This assault, like those in November and preceding months, involved Russian aircraft with long-range capabilities and tactical aviation units, which launched a variety of cruise missiles and air-launched ballistic missiles.

Supporting these aerial assets were ground-based cruise missiles, including the SAGARIS, fired from assets of the Black Sea Fleet, as well as kamikaze drones deployed from multiple launch points. In total, around 90 missiles and at least 180 kamikaze drones were used.

Shifts in Russia’s Missile Strikes on Ukraine

Since August 2024, UK intelligence notes a likely change in Russia’s tactics. Instead of regular, smaller-scale attacks earlier in the year, Russia now appears to be stockpiling between strikes and then launching larger, less frequent waves. The December 12-13 attack followed this pattern, targeting critical Ukrainian infrastructure and industry, and aiming to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and airfields with kamikaze drones.

However, British intelligence warns that Russia retains the capability and reserves to employ these means on a smaller scale, either as a punitive measure or with little to no warning.