Ukraine warns of new Russian missile tests targeting western regions

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has warned that Russia plans to conduct tests on a new type of ballistic missile with a range of up to 800 kilometers before the end of 2026. According to Maj. Gen. Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of the General Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), these trials may not remain confined to closed military ranges. Instead, Moscow could utilize the testing process to strike targets in western Ukraine, a region that has historically received fewer direct ballistic attacks compared to the capital and eastern frontlines.

The assessment was presented during a session of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council on September 8. Skibitskyi stated that the Russian military is actively working to increase both the volume of its missile production and the reach of its arsenal. The strategic objective, he argued, is to induce a socioeconomic crisis in Ukraine through a sustained intensification of missile and drone strikes. This approach aims to degrade civilian infrastructure and economic stability, thereby weakening the country’s long-term capacity to sustain its defense efforts.

Escalating threats to western infrastructure

The potential extension of Russian missile strikes into western Ukraine marks a significant shift in the conflict’s geography. Kyiv and other eastern cities have faced daily attacks in recent weeks, including daytime strikes and massive combined assaults involving ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. These operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. The introduction of a missile with an 800-kilometer range would allow Moscow to target cities far from the front line, effectively expanding the zone of direct military threat across the entire nation.

In response to the escalating air threats, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a reorganization of the country’s air alert system. Under the new protocol, alerts are divided into red and yellow levels. Yellow signals indicate drone threats, while red alerts denote incoming missiles or large-scale combined attacks. This change reflects the increasing complexity and frequency of Russian aerial operations, which have forced Ukrainian authorities to refine their warning mechanisms to better protect the civilian population.

Air defense gaps amid civilian losses

Ukraine currently faces a severe shortage of air defense systems, leaving many cities with limited protection against advanced ballistic missiles and fast-moving drones. According to Kyiv Independent, this defensive gap has contributed to summer 2026 becoming the deadliest period for civilians since the early months of the full-scale invasion. While Ukraine continues to expand its own long-range strike capabilities to target Russian logistics and military assets, the imbalance in air defense remains a critical vulnerability. Skibitskyi has urged partner nations to tighten sanctions to restrict Russia’s access to foreign components essential for its long-range weapons production.

Cyber operations against Russian research institutes

Separately, HUR announced on September 9 that its cyber specialists had breached the networks of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology. This state-run institute is responsible for developing Russia’s advanced missiles and military satellite communications systems. The breach allowed Ukrainian intelligence to identify 2,648 employees of the institute, including its chief executive, Sergei Ponomaryov, a retired lieutenant general. The institute is known for working on key systems such as the Yars and Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Bulava submarine-launched missile, and the Oreshnik system.

The institute also plays a role in developing systems for rapidly launching military satellites into low Earth orbit. In a related development, Skibitskyi noted on August 10 that Russia is accelerating the deployment of its Rassvet satellite communications system, a domestic alternative to global satellite internet services. Russia launched its first 16 Rassvet satellites in March 2026, with reports indicating a second batch was deployed in July. This expansion of space-based infrastructure underscores Russia’s broader strategy to enhance its military and communication capabilities in multiple domains.