Russia Expends Over $131M on January 20 Airstrike Against Ukraine, Impacting Infrastructure
On January 20, Russia executed a significant airstrike on Ukraine, deploying 372 missiles and drones valued at over $131 million, equivalent to more than 10.2 billion rubles. This expenditure matches the annual budget of Veliky Novgorod and approximates one-third of the budgets for Russian regions like Kalmykia and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug.
The attack targeted energy infrastructure across at least nine oblasts, causing blackouts and heating failures amid severe cold temperatures. The weapons included Iskander ballistic missiles, Zircon hypersonic missiles, Kh-101 cruise missiles, and various drones.
As Russia faces a budget deficit of 5.6 trillion rubles ($70 billion), it is increasing taxes and cutting social spending to finance the war. Defending against the airstrike cost Ukraine approximately $94 million in air defense missiles. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of effective global sanctions to limit Russia's military capabilities.
