Russia likely has "significant stockpile" of cruise missiles to target Ukrainian infrastructure, UK says

Russia is "likely able to generate a significant stockpile" of air launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) and there is a "realistic possibility" that it will use them against Ukrainian infrastructure targets, the UK's Ministry of Defence said Saturday.

"Between October 2022 and March 2023, Russia focused long-range strikes against Ukraine’s national energy infrastructure," the defence ministry said in the statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Open source reports suggest that since April 2023, ALCM expenditure rates have reduced, while Russian leaders have highlighted efforts to increase the rate of cruise missile production," the defence ministry said.

It concluded, "Russia is therefore likely able to generate a significant stockpile of ALCMs. There is a realistic possibility Russia will again focus these weapons against Ukrainian infrastructure targets over the winter."

Some context: On Wednesday, Ukraine called for tougher and more sophisticated sanctions against Russia following reports that Russia had managed to overcome sanctions and export controls imposed by the West to increase its missile production.

Last winter was cold and dark for many Ukrainians, with Russian forces launching hundreds of missiles and drones at Ukraine's energy infrastructure -- seemingly with the aim of breaking the country's power grid -- temporarily cutting off electricity, heat and water to millions.

At one point last October, about 40% of normal electrical supply was offline in Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s state power generator, Ukrenergo