Russia targets Ukrainian economy and critical infrastructure

Russian missile and drone strikes are increasingly targeting Ukraine's economic and civilian infrastructure. Economists warn of severe consequences for businesses, with a projected 20 percent probability of any given company being hit by an attack within the next twelve months. A primary challenge for Ukraine is the defense against ballistic missiles; the Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) estimates Russia produces at least 60 ballistic missiles per month. Currently, the US-made Patriot system is the only effective defense, but Ukraine faces a shortage of interceptor missiles.

In Kyiv, attacks have expanded beyond energy and food supplies to include water and sewage systems. The capital relies on a single sewage treatment plant, making it vulnerable to attempts to make the city uninhabitable. Additionally, strikes on food distribution centers and cold storage facilities are creating shortages of perishable goods like milk and meat, which are expected to worsen during the winter months.