Nationwide attacks in Ukraine: “Attacks are intended to demonstrate strength”

Russian President Putin is under increasing pressure, says political scientist Sasse. The recent situation is reminiscent of the beginning of the invasion. Sasse currently considers a diplomatic solution unthinkable.

According to political scientist Gwendolyn Sasse, the latest attacks by Russia on cities in Ukraine should demonstrate strength. “On the one hand, these attacks came as a response to Ukraine’s successful counter-offensive for weeks,” she said ARD morning magazine. On the other hand, they are a response to the explosion on the Crimean bridge.

At the same time, President Vladimir Putin is under increasing pressure, especially from hardliners in his own party. “He is now trying to appease them. He has reorganized the military leadership.” But there is also growing uncertainty among the population as to what he is reacting to.

“Unset and demoralize the civilian population”

According to Sasse, the latest situation is reminiscent of the beginning of the invasion in February. “Because now it’s about attacks on the whole of Ukraine again. And maybe people in Ukraine had already thought that it wouldn’t happen like that. Now cities all over Ukraine are really under attack again.” That will not significantly change what is happening on the actual front. “But above all it is intended to unsettle and demoralize the civilian population.”

No diplomatic solution in sight

Sasse currently considers talks between Russia and Ukraine to be unthinkable. Ukraine must first gain enough territory to be able to negotiate at all. “Vladimir Putin is not interested in negotiations at the moment. That means a diplomatic solution is not possible at the moment.” In the background, however, talks would be held to curb further escalation risks – most recently between the USA and Russia.