It appears that Russia is preparing for a new escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, against the backdrop of the deadlock reached in the efforts to negotiate a cessation of the war, according to sources familiar with the discussions in Moscow, quoted by Bloomberg.
It seems that the Kremlin is considering launching more intense conventional ballistic missile attacks against Kiev and the infrastructure of other Ukrainian cities. Russian officials increasingly believe that Ukrainian attacks on refineries, logistic installations, and other targets on Russian territory are possible due to NATO support.
This change in attitude comes after the US-led negotiations failed to result in an agreement. Moscow continues to demand concessions from Ukraine, including the territory of Donetsk, while Kiev has rejected these conditions.
It seems that expectations for future diplomatic contacts between the USA and Russia are at a minimal level. The escalation is happening against the backdrop of an increasingly intense exchange of airstrikes. Ukraine has targeted Russian petroleum and logistical infrastructure, while Russia has continued attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and other Ukrainian infrastructures.
The limited stock of interception missiles for Ukraine’s air defense remains, in this context, a cause for concern.