Ukrainians spent much of the New Year holiday period in bomb shelters as Russia marked the festive season by unleashing some of the biggest air assaults of the entire war. According to Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelenskyy, Russia launched at least 500 missiles and drones at targets across Ukraine during a five-day period from December 29, in what was widely regarded as an indication of the Kremlin’s intentions for the coming weeks.

This fresh wave of major air attacks has confirmed the worst fears of many in Ukraine, who have long speculated that Russia was stockpiling missiles for use in a new winter bombing campaign. Moscow is believed to have significantly boosted domestic output of missiles as part of the country’s transition to a wartime economy, with more than 100 long-range missiles reportedly now being produced per month. Speaking on New Year’s Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to “intensify” Russia’s air war against Ukraine.

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