Throughout the conflict, Russia has consistently launched assaults on Ukraine’s capital and other urban centers. According to experts, these actions seem to serve as retaliation for Ukraine’s recent counterstrikes on Kyiv.
Revenge for Russian attacks, expert says
Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow specializing in Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, highlighted that Ukraine’s recent large-scale offensive could be seen as the promised retribution by President Zelenskyy following Russia’s intense attacks on Kyiv.
The timing of these Ukrainian strikes coincided with the conclusion of a temporary ceasefire, which had paused hostilities to allow Russia to conduct its annual Victory Day parade on May 9. This event marks the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.
“Ukraine’s ability to launch significant strikes near the Russian capital underscores its capability to bring the conflict directly to Russian soil, a move that is undoubtedly unwelcome by the Kremlin,” Gould-Davies explained to The Associated Press.
He further noted that there is no ongoing peace negotiation that could be derailed by these actions. Instead, he suggested that such attacks are likely to exacerbate the growing sense of unease within Russia, which has been intensifying over the past few months.
Gould-Davies attributed this mounting anxiety to several factors, including recent Russian military setbacks, a worsening economic crisis, and the Kremlin’s escalating restrictions on internet access, which are particularly evident in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
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