Russian retaliatory strikes could prioritize Ukrainian military command infrastructure, data centers and facilities supporting the country’s defense industry, according to retired Major General Vladimir Popov, an honored military pilot.

Popov outlined his assessment while commenting on statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, identifying the systems responsible for coordinating Ukrainian forces as potential primary targets.

The general said that military command posts, communications networks and data-processing facilities involved in transmitting operational information could be among the first infrastructure elements targeted.

He noted that some communications facilities officially classified as civilian infrastructure also serve the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

According to Popov, relocating such facilities to Poland or Romania would complicate the management of Ukrainian troops but would not necessarily make those installations immune to strikes.

Energy infrastructure could also feature prominently in potential Russian retaliatory operations. Popov identified transformer centers, electricity substations and power transmission lines as possible targets, particularly those located near the front line or close to Ukrainian military-industrial facilities.

He also suggested that strikes could affect production workshops and logistics infrastructure connected to Ukraine’s defense manufacturing sector.

However, Popov described nuclear power plants as prohibited targets for the Russian military. He maintained that restricted zones exist around nuclear facilities and that Russian forces seek to prevent missiles and drones from flying near them.

His assessment follows a Russian Defense Ministry announcement on October 16 concerning strikes carried out over the preceding week.

The ministry reported conducting one massive strike and seven group strikes against targets in Ukraine.

According to the Russian military, the operations targeted defense industry enterprises, telecommunications and transportation infrastructure, drone production and storage facilities, ammunition and equipment depots, and deployment locations of Ukrainian military formations and foreign mercenaries.