The deadlines of the full Russian answer are unclear, but one of the sources stated that it is expected within a few days. The second American official said that the answer would probably include various types of air capabilities, including rockets and drones.
The Western diplomatic source said that, although Russia's answer may have already begun, it would most likely intensify, striking the symbolic Ukrainian targets, such as government buildings, in an attempt to send Kyiv a clear signal.
Another, high -ranking, Western diplomat predicts a further destructive offensive by Moscow. It will be “huge, cruel and merciless,” said the interlocutor of the agency.
The expert in Russia in the Carnegie Foundation for the International World Michael Kofman said that he expects Moscow to try to “punish” the Security Service of Ukraine for its role in the attack on Russian airfields. To do this, Russia can use medium -range ballistic missiles to attack, he said.
Most likely, they will try to respond to the headquarters of the SBU or other buildings of regional intelligence departments, as well as to Ukrainian defense production centers, Kofman believes. Nevertheless, according to him, Russia's capabilities for response can be limited, since it already directs a significant part of its military power to Ukraine.
