The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has made an official statement regarding its intention to significantly intensify strikes against targets on the territory of Ukraine. This step became Moscow's reaction to the words of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who earlier hinted at the possibility of expanding attacks on Russian oil refineries. The Russian defense department emphasized that military and military-industrial facilities, as well as related infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions of the country, will allegedly be targeted.
Russian Side's Arguments and Accusations
In its statement, the Russian ministry shifted full responsibility for the escalation of the conflict and the potential toughening of strikes onto the Ukrainian political leadership. Representatives of the Russian Federation claim that their actions are allegedly a response to Ukrainian attacks. In particular, Moscow accused Ukraine of striking civilian targets on Russian territory, attempting to disrupt electoral processes, and mentioned alleged massive drone raids on Moscow and sabotage attempts during economic forums.
Contradictory Data
It is worth noting the presence of serious contradictions and unverified facts in the statements of the Russian side. In particular, the Russian department officially stated that six people died as a result of strikes on polling stations, and claimed a massive attack by over 1,600 Ukrainian drones on Moscow on September 19-20. However, independent international observers and the Ukrainian side do not confirm these large-scale figures and accusations, pointing out that such statements are used by Russian propaganda to justify new strikes on Ukrainian critical infrastructure.
Kremlin's Ultimatums and Geopolitical Context
Against the backdrop of statements on intensifying combat operations, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, voiced the so-called conditions for achieving a "sustainable peace." Among the put-forward demands are Ukraine's rejection of Euro-Atlantic integration and the maintenance of a neutral status, the recognition of territorial losses and occupied regions as part of Russia, and the abandonment of the state course that the Kremlin calls "nationalist." In essence, Moscow continues to insist on capitulatory terms, threatening to otherwise continue military pressure.
Experts and analysts agree that such statements indicate the Kremlin's refusal to seek diplomatic compromises and its desire to wage a war of attrition. The threats to expand strikes on Ukrainian cities are aimed both at psychological pressure on the civilian population and at attempting to disrupt the supply of Western weapons and undermine Ukraine's energy stability on the eve of the winter period.
