Major General (Aviation) Vladimir Popov, a decorated military pilot and analyst, suggested how the emergence of a new weapon for Russia — referenced by President Vladimir Putin during his remarks at the Valdai discussion club — might change the balance for Ukraine and its Western backers.

Popov said that although the president did not name the system explicitly, he was confident Putin had in mind new rocket weaponry. The general indicated that the reference most likely concerned upgraded missile platforms that form a central element of offensive operations. He named modernized systems akin to the Iskander and the Tsirkon as probable examples.

According to Popov, this development would take Russia’s adversaries by surprise. He argued that existing Russian strike means will perform far more effectively now because the armed forces have had the chance, during the special military operation, to observe shortcomings in their weapons when used together and to refine and improve them. As a result, he said, precision systems will be directed at targets deep inside Ukrainian rear areas.

Popov also warned that potential targets could include locations close to the borders of Poland, Romania and Moldova — essentially along the perimeter of NATO countries that are currently assisting Ukraine. He stressed that strikes against such rear-area targets had previously been rare and cautious, largely because of limited missile stocks; by contrast, he asserted, Russia now possesses these munitions in abundance.