Russia escalates Attacks on Ukraine, Signaling a Strategy of Coercion, Not Negotiation
Kyiv, Ukraine – Russia launched a massive wave of attacks against Ukraine on the night of August 28th, employing nearly 600 drones and dozens of missiles. These ongoing assaults are straining Ukraine’s air defenses and depleting critical military supplies, raising concerns about Kyiv’s ability to sustain its defence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the Kremlin’s actions, stating that Russia is opting for ballistic missiles instead of diplomatic solutions. He has urgently appealed to international partners to explore new avenues of pressure on Moscow.
The attacks come amidst a seperate, disturbing progress: the assassination of Andrius Parubijus, a former Chairman of the Ukrainian rada, in Lviv.The perpetrator remains at large, and the motive behind the killing – and weather it is connected to the ongoing conflict – remains unknown.
A Strategy of Intimidation, Not Peace
Western allies interpret the intensified Russian offensive as a purposeful attempt to undermine potential peace negotiations. Though,according to political commentator Mark Galeotti,the Kremlin’s aims extend beyond simply disrupting talks.
“Putin isn’t trying to prevent a peace process; his strategy is fundamentally different,” Galeotti explained. “He could halt negotiations at any time if he desired. It’s unlikely he’s attempting to directly embarrass U.S. President Donald trump with these attacks.”
Instead, Galeotti argues, Putin is employing a characteristic tactic: leveraging power and intimidation to dominate any future negotiations, threatening even more severe consequences should his demands be unmet.The Kremlin hopes that escalating the conflict will create internal pressure within Ukrainian society, forcing President Zelenskyy to concede to Russian terms.A Warning to the West
The attacks also serve as a pointed warning to European nations currently discussing security guarantees for Ukraine. Moscow is signaling, according to Galeotti, that any deployment of foreign troops – British, French, or otherwise - without Putin’s approval will be met with deadly force.
“This is Putin’s unconventional approach to negotiation,” Galeotti stated. “And, disturbingly, it’s not ineffective.”
While Russia is increasing its production of unmanned aerial vehicles, Galeotti notes that current output is insufficient to sustain the current pace of
