The missiles can sustain 5-8 more strikes. An expert suggests that Russia could potentially attack Ukraine almost weekly.

The threat of repeated large-scale Russian shelling of Ukraine may persist until the inauguration of the elected U.S. President Donald Trump. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin could launch such attacks almost weekly.

This was stated in a comment to RBK-Ukraine by Alexander Musienko, the head of the Center for Military-Legal Studies.

According to Musienko, the timing of the next massive missile strike on Ukraine will depend on the type of preparation Russia chooses. It is likely that prior to the attack, the Russians will again conduct simulation launches with strategic aviation and deploy a large number of drones.

"Putin is interested in prolonging the process as much as possible until Trump's inauguration. He has a political goal, in addition to pressuring Ukraine and conducting terror, to shape the perception that there is no alternative but to force Ukraine to make concessions, as Russia maintains the potential and capabilities for such large-scale attacks," the expert believes.

How many missile attacks on Ukraine may still occur

According to Musienko, large-scale Russian attacks, like those happening today, could occur every two weeks or weekly until the New Year or early January. However, real attacks will alternate with simulation flights by aviation.

"Overall, the potential that Russia could have accumulated over almost three months could amount to 4-5 large-scale attacks, and smaller ones could reach 6-7-8 attacks if utilizing a limited number of missiles," he added.

The expert suggests that in the next month and a half, the Russians will attempt to "create a picture" for the future U.S. administration.

Shelling of Ukraine on November 17

On the morning of November 17, the Russians launched a massive attack on Ukraine with drones and missiles. As President Vladimir Zelensky stated, the enemy used 120 missiles and 90 drones, while air defense forces managed to destroy over 140 aerial targets.

Kiev and a number of regions were under fire. Mainly, the enemy targeted critical infrastructure and energy facilities. As reported by DTEK, the Russians attacked several thermal power plants.

For more details on the consequences of the Russian attack on Ukraine, read the material from RBK-Ukraine.