Some of the missiles that Russia used to bomb Ukraine two weeks ago were manufactured only a few months ago, which seems to indicate that the country is succeeding in obtaining the necessary technology, despite Western sanctions as a result.
Researchers at the British arms research company Conflict Armament Research (CAR) analyzed fragments of rockets that fell in Kyiv on November 23 and concluded that two of them were of very recent production: one was built in the summer, and the other after September.
Interpreting the serial numbers stamped on these parts made it possible to verify their date of manufacture, CAR explains in an interview. report released on Monday. Analysts have also examined rocket fragments that struck the Ukrainian capital in June and October and say they were manufactured in 2018 and 2019.
Investigators claim that these cruise missiles (X-101) “are heavily dependent on components and technologies produced by companies based in the US and Europe.” Thus, this report “demonstrates that the Russian Federation is still capable of producing guided weapons” “despite the sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine.”
On the other hand, they write, “the use of guided weapons only two months after their production may be a symptom of problems reserve”.
Damien Spleeters, who led the investigation team that went to Kyiv, told reporters. New York Times that it is impossible to assess whether Russia has problems with weapons. “Similar statements have been made since April, so we’re just saying that the fact that these missiles were produced so recently may be an indication of this, but it’s not a certainty.”
Analysts arrived in Kyiv exactly on the day, November 23, when Russian explosions took place in the capital. Later, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that it would be difficult for Russia to quickly produce new missiles “due to trade restrictions on microchips and other types of articles.
The mass attack two weeks ago was one of those that provoked Serious damage in the energy system of Ukraine and left more than half of Kyiv without electricity, heat and water.
The country that survived new vacancy bombings this Monday, continues to face great difficulty in providing basic services. The Ministry of Health on Tuesday asked regional authorities to suspend non-urgent operations to save energy.
Although Ukraine claims to have shot down 60 missiles before they hit their targets (Russia claims to have successfully hit 17 targets), the latest attack damaged electrical installations in the Kyiv, Vinnitsa and Odessa regions. The authorities planned to replace long blackouts with more localized and reduced shutdowns, but were once again forced to ration the supply of electricity in general terms.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmihal says 35% of the national electricity grid has been damaged and it will take some time before normal levels of supply are restored.
