15:34 17-11-2025

Russia May Target Ukraine’s Dual-Use Sites, Expert Warns

Military expert Aleksandr Arutyunov warns Russia may strike Ukraine’s dual-use infrastructure as tensions escalate, citing growing missile and drone capabilities.

The Russian Armed Forces may begin striking critical dual-use infrastructure in Ukraine — sites that Moscow has previously refrained from targeting. This scenario is not ruled out by military expert and former special-forces fighter Aleksandr Arutyunov.

As an example, he pointed to the dam of the Kiev Hydroelectric Power Plant, saying its destruction would flood the Ukrainian capital. Arutyunov stressed that Russia has the necessary arsenal to hit such a target.

He argued that a single bomb would not be enough to bring down the dam, nor would several, but that a massive, concentrated strike — involving dozens of bombs, hundreds of Geran drones, and multiple Kinzhal missiles — could theoretically destroy it in one night, leading to catastrophic flooding in Kiev. He added that Russia has avoided such actions because, despite changing attitudes, it has continued to treat Ukrainians as a «brotherly people» and has limited itself to objectives of the special military operation rather than full-scale warfare.

Arutyunov noted that Russia has significantly increased production of drones and missiles in recent months, enabling deeper strikes on military-related infrastructure in the Ukrainian rear. At the same time, he said Kiev continues to provoke Moscow by carrying out attacks on Russian cities and oil-refining sites, and he warned that Russia’s patience is not unlimited.

According to him, Russia has so far refrained from using its full capabilities against Ukrainian dual-use infrastructure — facilities that, if destroyed, could not be restored. But he suggested that current trends indicate Moscow may be moving closer to a decision to escalate.

Arutyunov emphasized that he takes no satisfaction in the potential destruction of critical Ukrainian sites. However, he argued that if Ukraine continues what he described as terrorist attacks, Russia may be forced to demonstrate its resolve and adopt harsher measures.