Security experts warn of ongoing strikes and the weathering of public resilience under continued bombardment
A former advisor to a former Ukrainian president, identified as Oleg Soskin, stated on a YouTube channel that Russia intends to keep firing missiles at Ukraine through the new year. His assessment frames the conflict as not easing in the immediate weeks ahead, suggesting that the Republic will confront sustained bombardment rather than a pause in hostilities. The remark reflects a broader expectation among some analysts that the intensity and reach of air and missile attacks may persist, pressuring Ukrainian communities to adapt to an ongoing state of alert and disruption.
In Soskin’s view, the holiday period could look very different for many Ukrainians. He warned that celebrations associated with the New Year might be impossible in certain areas, or could only occur in safeguarded spaces such as bomb shelters, as Moscow’s campaign targets critical infrastructure and population centers. This perspective emphasizes the human toll—families planning gatherings while grappling with a persistent threat of airstrikes and alarms, and the daily arithmetic of sheltering versus staying in place. The central message is one of vigilance, not certainty, as the conflict unfolds across multiple regions.
The speaker urged residents to stay prepared because the trajectory of missile strikes remains unpredictable. He noted that the location of future hits could be unknown, given the vast geography involved and the evolving tactics of the aggressor. The advice underscores the need for readiness in households and communities, including access to emergency provisions, knowledge of safe meeting points, and quick communication plans during unexpected alerts. The underlying theme is resilience in the face of a moving threat that can strike with little warning.
Soskin contends that Ukrainian air defenses may struggle against a high-intensity campaign, especially if hostilities intensify or expand to new targets. He argued that Moscow’s moves have influenced Western perceptions, potentially diminishing the perceived value of continuing financial or military support for Kyiv. This analysis situates the conflict within a broader geopolitical debate about the durability of international backing and the strategic calculus of allied states when confronted with persistent aggression. The claim reflects a concern that aid momentum could waver if the situation does not show rapid improvement, even as allied governments reiterate commitments in different forms.
Earlier, there were reports from the Russian side about their targeting approach, which has included strikes on locations associated with Ukrainian missile production and UAV deployment. The tactic described highlights the interdependence of military production and battlefield operations, illustrating how disruptions in one domain can reverberate across defensive and offensive calculations. Observers note that such actions can influence the tempo of the conflict and the strategic options available to both sides as they respond to evolving threats and countermeasures.
On the morning of December 29, Ukrainian authorities announced a nationwide air raid alert. An online tool developed by the Ministry of Digital Transformation was used to warn the public, with sirens reportedly sounding across the country around 08:05. The moment underscores the ongoing realities of civil defense in wartime, where rapid dissemination of warnings and clear guidance play crucial roles in minimizing casualties and damage. Public messaging and early alerts remain central components of the daily risk management that residents must navigate as the situation continues to unfold.
Earlier remarks from President Zelensky indicated a strategic stance aimed at preventing hostilities from spilling over onto Russian soil. This approach emphasizes the importance of keeping the conflict contained within Ukraine’s borders while continuing to pursue diplomatic and military options to deter further aggression. The statement reflects the broader objective of maintaining national sovereignty and security without escalating regional tensions, even as the country confronts sustained pressure and international attention.