Olekseii Danilov: “We are seeing an unprecedented build-up of Russian forces in the vicinity of our borders”

Russia is preparing to attack Ukraine’s critical infrastructure once the temperatures drop, according to Ukraine’s national security and defence council secretary Oleksii Danilov.

Olekseii Danilov said Russia was amassing troops and weapons near the border and in Crimea, and that it was preparing to launch a “full-scale” attack when the weather turns cold.

“We are seeing an unprecedented build-up of Russian forces in the vicinity of our borders,” he said. “We are talking about the deployment of military units that have never been there before.”

Olekseii Danilov said Ukraine was prepared, adding that most of the country’s critical infrastructure was “under control,” and foreign partners were providing additional air defences.

“We are taking all necessary measures to protect our state,” he said.

Meanwhile, the UK Ministry of Defence has reported that Russia has lost at least four long range SA-21 (S-400) Surface-to-Air missile launchers, in the Luhansk region, with other losses in Crimea.

Replacing those assets, the Ministry suggests, will involve transferring launchers from other operational areas, thus weakening their air defences in those areas.

As of the beginning of 2023 Russia was believed to have 96 such systems, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Each system costs in the region of $200 million.

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