Russia plans to conduct final tests of a new, currently unnamed ballistic missile with a range of up to 800 kilometers (500 miles) by the end of 2026 and could attack western Ukraine as trials of the system. Maj. Gen. Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate (HUR) delivered the assessment during a recent meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “According to our estimates, Russia plans to conduct final tests of a new type of ballistic missile with a range of up to 800 kilometers by the end of this year,” Skibitsky said. Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia could attempt to strike targets in western Ukraine during as part of its testing regime. Skibitsky said Russia was increasing the intensity of missile and drone attacks against Ukraine in an effort to trigger a social and economic crisis. Moscow is also seeking to increase its production of ballistic missiles and extend their range, he said. Skibitsky urged Ukraine’s partners to strengthen sanctions against Russia and restrict its access to foreign components used in the production of long-range weapons. Intelligence says Russian losses exceeded recruitment Skibitsky also said Russia lost about 43,000 military personnel in August while recruiting around 39,000 people into its armed forces. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Russian General Staff believes intensified mobilization is the only way Moscow can achieve its main military objectives.