Putin's war tactics - https://eutoday.net

Ukraine endured another night of heavy bombardment as Russian forces launched a series of missile and drone attacks across several regions. The most significant strike targeted Lviv in western Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of at least seven civilians, including children, and injuring many others. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

The tragedy in Lviv highlights a grim reality: no region of Ukraine is safe from Russian aggression. Western Ukraine, often seen as less vulnerable than the heavily bombarded eastern and central parts of the country, has become a target in what appears to be a shift in Russia’s military tactics. The illusion that areas further from the frontlines are somehow safer has been shattered.

Russia’s missile barrage on Lviv was concentrated on residential areas, with civilians bearing the brunt of the destruction. The attack is part of an ongoing campaign by Russia to instil terror across Ukraine, striking civilian infrastructure and disrupting daily life in the most brutal way. This strategy of relentless assaults aims to prevent Ukrainians from recovering between attacks, ensuring a constant state of fear and instability.

The Lviv attack is set against a backdrop of mounting casualties in other Ukrainian cities, such as Poltava, which recently declared a period of mourning following a deadly strike. Russian forces have continued to target critical infrastructure and residential areas, from Kyiv to Sumy, Poltava to Kryvyi Rih, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The campaign appears designed to wear down the population and test the limits of Ukraine’s resilience.

Beyond sheer terror, these attacks aim to cripple Ukraine’s infrastructure, particularly in preparation for the harsh winter months. By targeting power plants, railways, and other vital networks, Russia seeks to make life in Ukraine unbearably difficult, hoping to erode civilian morale. In particular, military logistics routes from the west to the eastern frontlines are of prime importance. The recent focus on Lviv and other western regions may be part of a broader strategy to disrupt these supply lines, which are crucial for Ukraine’s military efforts in the east and south.

Lviv’s main railway station was one of the primary targets in the latest attack, underlining Russia’s determination to hinder Ukraine’s ability to transport military supplies and humanitarian aid. Ukraine’s rail network, a lifeline for the country, has become a focal point for Russian strikes in recent weeks. The intention is clear: to make the transfer of goods and resources from the west to the frontline regions more difficult, if not impossible.

This strategy of terror, however, is not only a military one. It is also deeply psychological. From the earliest days of the war, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sought to convince Ukrainians that they are not safe anywhere in their own country. The aim is to drive as many civilians as possible out of Ukraine, clearing the way for future Russian occupation. The hope, from Moscow’s perspective, is that with fewer civilians in the country, Russia can consolidate control over territories it hopes to annex.

Putin’s expectation that Ukrainians, particularly in the south and east, would welcome Russian forces with open arms has proven to be a miscalculation. Instead, Ukrainians across all regions have demonstrated remarkable unity in their opposition to Russian aggression. The initial belief that eastern and southern Ukrainians might embrace their so-called “liberators” has been thoroughly disproven. The war has instead fostered a deep sense of national unity, with Ukrainians from all walks of life now openly rejecting Russia’s imperial ambitions.

This defiance has not gone unnoticed in Russia, but it has not swayed public opinion. Despite Ukrainian advances in areas like the Kharkiv region, Russian society has largely remained indifferent to both the suffering of Ukrainians and the hardships faced by their own soldiers. The Russian public’s focus seems to remain fixed on territorial expansion, an ambition deeply ingrained in Russian history, even at the expense of domestic welfare.

The question of how to counter Russia’s ongoing acts of terror remains pressing. While Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of relentless attacks, there is growing discussion about the need for greater international involvement, particularly from NATO. Western nations, especially those bordering Ukraine, like Poland, have been monitoring Russian missile strikes closely. However, there is an argument that passive observation is no longer enough.

There have been calls for NATO countries to take a more active role in Ukraine’s air defence. Some suggest that NATO forces could assist in neutralising Russian missiles and drones before they reach Ukrainian cities, thereby preventing further civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The idea is not without precedent: similar operations have been conducted in the Middle East, where neighbouring countries helped to intercept Iranian missile attacks on Israel.

This proposal, if implemented, could reduce the strain on Ukraine’s air defence systems, which are stretched thin by the frequency of Russian strikes. Furthermore, coordinated action to destroy Russian missile sites and drone launch pads—whether on Ukrainian or Russian soil—could serve as a powerful deterrent to future attacks.

The international community, and particularly NATO, is faced with a critical decision. As Russia continues to escalate its terror campaign, targeting civilian areas and vital infrastructure across Ukraine, the need for decisive action grows ever more urgent.

Allowing Russia to continue its campaign of terror unchallenged not only prolongs the suffering of millions of Ukrainians but also risks emboldening further aggression. Whether through increased military support or direct intervention in Ukraine’s air defence, the West must consider its role in halting the destruction that Russia continues to inflict on Ukraine.