In an alarming development, Ukraine is bracing itself for a potential aerial onslaught this winter, as reports suggest that Russia has stockpiled around 800 missiles in Crimea. The purpose behind this missile accumulation is believed to be the targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, specifically power and water facilities.

Last winter, Russia employed a similar tactic, striking Ukrainian energy targets with missiles and resulting in the cutoff of electricity and heat to millions of Ukrainians during the harsh winter conditions. Experts now anticipate that Russia intends to repeat this strategy, further undermining Ukraine's critical infrastructure.

According to an assessment conducted by the International Rescue Committee, approximately 25% of respondents in Ukraine reported not having access to sufficient heating, indicating the grave consequences that could result from a disruption in power supply.

Nataliya Humenyuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Southern Military Command, voiced concerns over Russia's military deployment on the Crimean Peninsula, stating, "We know that the enemy has a powerful hub of military resources deployed on the Crimean Peninsula. Kalibr-type missiles are concentrated there, and Onyx-type missiles are also launched from the Crimean Peninsula. The enemy is accumulating potential - this is obvious."

The Kalibr missiles, designated by NATO as the SS-N-30A, encompass various models capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land-attack capabilities, with ranges spanning from 1,000 to 1,500 miles. These missiles are guided by satellite navigation systems, facilitating precision strikes with their nearly 1,000-pound conventional high-explosive warheads.

Humenyuk emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "We are talking about the readiness of more than 800 missiles in total to be used by the enemy for the stage of energy terror." The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy had previously warned of possible significant strikes by Russia aimed at undermining Ukraine's energy facilities.

As Ukraine faces its second winter amidst the ongoing war, experts stress the importance of maintaining robust air-defense systems to counter potential devastating Russian airstrikes. Furthermore, Ukraine plans to capitalize on the winter conditions, which traditionally slow down fighting, by disrupting Russian forces' supply chains.

In a video address on November 12, President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the looming threat and called for Ukraine to prepare for likely Russian attacks on critical infrastructure this winter.

As tensions escalate, Ukraine remains vigilant and aims to defend its sovereignty, protect its citizens, and safeguard its vital infrastructure from potential Russian aggression.