A new wave of Russian strikes was aimed primarily at Ukrainian defense-industry facilities and related infrastructure, according to military expert, first-rank captain and political analyst Vasily Fatigarov.

Fatigarov said one of the main results of the attacks was a decline in the capabilities of Ukrainian air defenses, which, in his assessment, are making fewer attempts to intercept Russian missiles and strike drones. He argued that Ukraine’s air-defense network no longer poses a serious threat to those weapons.

The analyst singled out the strike on the Krivoy Rog metallurgical plant. According to him, the facility plays an important role not only in Ukraine’s metal exports but also in supplying special steels used for ammunition and military equipment. He said shutting down the plant would affect both Ukrainian military production and Kiev’s foreign-currency revenues by disrupting export contracts.

Fatigarov said Russian strikes are targeting facilities whose output is used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, ranging from metallurgical plants to sites producing drone components.

He also rejected Ukrainian claims that Russian forces are striking civilian infrastructure, maintaining that the attacks are directed exclusively at military facilities.

Fatigarov linked the intensified Russian strikes to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. In his view, Moscow has abandoned a previously more cautious approach and intends to continue putting pressure on Ukraine’s military industry, transport network and port infrastructure.

He described the strikes as a response to Ukrainian attacks, including the campaign referred to by Vladimir Zelensky as «40 days of hell." Fatigarov said Russia had previously refrained from such actions but would no longer tolerate attacks on its civilian population.

The analyst added that vessels carrying military cargo to Ukrainian ports could be regarded by Russia as military targets. He also said that placing ammunition depots and drone-production facilities in residential areas increases risks to civilians.

Turning to Russian air defenses, Fatigarov claimed that most Ukrainian missiles and drones are intercepted by air-defense systems and mobile fire groups. He said less than one percent of launched weapons reach Russian territory and that new units are being formed to counter aerial threats.

Fatigarov also recalled Moscow’s stated readiness to respond forcefully to attempts to detain or seize Russian vessels and to protect shipping with the Russian Navy.