"Our intelligence indicates that Russia is preparing for new large-scale attacks," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on 16/1. "We are discussing with partners the critical need for missiles and air defense systems that Ukraine requires, as current supplies are insufficient."

According to Zelensky, severe weather and Russian attacks have created emergencies in many cities and residential areas, prompting Ukraine to mobilize all resources to respond.

Earlier that day, Zelensky acknowledged that some Western air defense systems had previously depleted their missile stocks, but Ukraine has since received additional ammunition. He did not specify which systems.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Kyiv on 3/1. Photo: AP

AMP Mapping, an X account tracking the Russia-Ukraine conflict, assessed that the Russian military is not yet ready to launch a major offensive immediately following Zelensky's announcement, as preparations are still underway. AMP Mapping anticipates Russia will deploy at least 350 Geran-2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in this upcoming attack.

AMP Mapping stated, "If Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers are involved, western Ukrainian provinces, particularly the energy infrastructure in Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk, would face the highest risk of airstrikes. This scenario increases the probability of MiG-31K fighters deploying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and might decrease the likelihood of Russia launching Iskander-K cruise missiles."

If Russia does not deploy strategic bombers for its attack on Ukraine, the greatest threat would target central and northern Ukraine, particularly energy and gas infrastructure in Kyiv and Poltava provinces.

"Russia currently lacks the capability to continue launching Oreshnik hypersonic missiles," AMP Mapping indicated. "While Russia could potentially use the Iskander-I, a 1,000 km-range variant of the Iskander-M ballistic missile, this scenario appears unlikely in the next few days."

Western nations have supplied Ukraine with modern air defense systems, including powerful Patriot, SAMP/T, IRIS-T, and NASAMS units. However, the limited quantity of these transferred weapons frequently overwhelms Ukraine's air defense network. Furthermore, Russian attacks have destroyed many of these systems, creating significant vulnerabilities in Ukraine's defensive capabilities.

Last year, Colonel Yuri Ignat, press secretary for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, acknowledged that air defense forces consistently face challenges as Russia continuously upgrades its Geran-series suicide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Iskander ballistic missiles, alongside refining its attack tactics.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)