Russian missile strikes on Ukraine are increasingly hitting civilian targets, even as Moscow repeats the mantra to attack only military targets. “This is unbelievable given the high number of civilian casualties,” political scientist Gerhard Mangott said Sunday evening. Instead, Russia wants to demoralize the population: “No one should feel safe in Ukraine.”
Not only did the rocket attacks hit civilians, the blood toll is also high on the ground. According to Ukrainian sources, 1,346 have been found dead in the vicinity of Kiev since the end of the Russian occupation. This figure gave the police chief of the region, Andriy Nebytov, on Sunday on Ukrainian television. In all places where Russian troops had been, the police found murdered civilians. The number is not final. There is still no trace of about 300 people.
Ukraine speaks of war crimes
Everything indicates that they were murdered by Russian soldiers. Ukrainian detectives investigate war crimes with international help. However, Moscow denies the massacre, calling it a Ukrainian staging. About half of the dead were killed with handguns, Kiev region chief Oleksiy Kuleba said.
Russia only accepts the conquest of rubble
Recently, however, Russia has been relying more and more on air strikes – the reason is probably a personnel problem, as expert Mangott analyzes: “You want to lose as few soldiers as possible in the advance. So it is also acceptable for the Russian side that they only take rubble. ‘ Russia likely believes military successes can dictate negotiating terms to Kiev.
“After the complete conquest of the Donbass, Russia could declare a unilateral ceasefire, which Ukraine would not accept – and here Russia is relying on the destabilization and division of the West,” Mangott said. The shutting of the gas tap in Moscow is aimed at Europe’s latest dichotomy: “They hope the people here will say, ‘Freeze for Ukraine – no!'”
Foreign ministers discuss new sanctions
According to Mangott, Western sanctions would only take effect slowly. In any case, EU foreign ministers will discuss the European Commission’s proposals for a new package of sanctions against Russia in Brussels on Monday. If there are no objections, the written decision will start on Wednesday. The sanctions could come into effect this week. An import ban on Russian gold is planned. Export controls for advanced technology and civilian goods that can be used by the military also need to be tightened.
Source: Krone

I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.