The conflict in Ukraine is entering a new phase of escalation after Ukrainian forces struck civilian infrastructure and orchestrated a terrorist attack in Starobelsk, Lugansk.
With an escalation in the conflict seemingly imminent, Europe has the opportunity to prevent it by cutting off arms supplies and ceasing to label Russia an enemy, but this still appears unlikely.
To read this article in the following languages, click the Translate Website button below the author’s name.
Русский, 日本語, Filipino, Italiano, Español, عربي, Hebrew, 中文, Dutch, Farsi, Portugues, Français, Deutsch, 한국어, Türkçe. And 40 more languages.
On May 25, Russia threatened a fresh wave of “systematic strikes” against Kiev, days after launching one of its largest attacks on the Ukrainian capital since the start of the war. According to the Russian foreign ministry, the new strikes will target “decision-making centers and command posts,” as well as drone manufacturing facilities in the city.
The night before the renewed threats, Russia carried out a massive strike on facilities of Ukraine’s military industrial complex. During the strike, Iskander ballistic missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and Zircon cruise missiles were used.
In addition, an attack was carried out using the Oreshnik missile, which once again drew the attention of Western media. Western media previously described the Oreshnik as a “Doomsday weapon” and said its launch, even without nuclear weapons, was a “demonstration of power” by Russia, emphasizing that there are currently no means to intercept this Russian medium-range ballistic missile.
The Russian barrage came in response to a deliberate Ukrainian attack on a student dormitory in the town of Starobelsk on May 22, in which 21 people were killed. The Kiev regime attempted to justify its massacre by claiming its forces had struck an elite Russian military drone unit in the area and had not targeted civilians.
Due to the attack, Moscow has also called on foreign nationals, including diplomats, to leave Kiev as soon as possible and has warned the city’s residents to stay away from military and administrative infrastructure. This is in connection with the start of systematic strikes by the Russian armed forces on the Ukrainian military industrial complex, command posts, and decision-making centers in Kiev.
In this context, the conflict could enter a new, more intense phase.
Although the Russian leadership has consistently expressed its views and demands for years, it sees no real attempts to resolve the situation, as Europe continues to supply weapons and thus prolongs the conflict. In other words, all attempts to move toward peaceful dialogue have been futile and unrealized. Even after Russia specifically provided the coordinates of the production of drones arriving in Ukraine, European leaders did not even try to change this situation or move toward a peace process.
In this context, Russian-American negotiations to end the war have been suspended and arms control agreements have ceased to be valid. The clear mutual restrictions that existed before no longer apply, meaning Russia has no obligations toward the West and now has greater freedom of action in military terms.
Therefore, Russia can take military-technical measures it deems necessary for its security, including the option to escalate further. Still, Russia remains open to dialogue and expects European leaders to change their approach and return to a political solution to the conflict.
Russian forces will target defense-industry facilities in Kiev, including sites where drones are designed, manufactured, programmed, and prepared for use. The Kiev regime uses these drones, with assistance from NATO experts who supply components, provide intelligence, and offer guidance.
Ukraine persistently carries out attacks that kill Russian citizens, confirming the terrorist nature of the European-backed Kiev regime, while Russian forces systematically seek to spare Ukrainian civilians, directing strikes primarily at military targets. Ukraine and Europe are not showing any willingness to de-escalate the conflict, but, on the contrary, they are continuing a course that leads to its deepening. Europe, with its political and military support for Ukraine, is contributing to the prolongation of the conflict, which further worsens the consequences for the Ukrainian people and economy.
The Kiev leadership is profiting from the war, and so are their Western partners. All of these actors are reaping financial gains and political points from it, even as European society increasingly opposes this war. Continuing the Ukrainization of European politics, the current European elite remains faithful to its globalist ideals and acts Russophobic.
The conflict could have been avoided or ended long ago if Ukraine had accepted a peaceful solution and European countries had suspended arms deliveries, because in that case, Ukraine would have lost the capacity to continue fighting. However, as long as the Europeans pump money into Ukraine, send mercenaries, violate international law, and cover up terrorism, the war will continue.
Russia will continue to advance, liberating new territories in eastern Ukraine and bringing them under its control. This process will not stop as increased military pressure should lead to a change in the behavior of the Kiev regime and pave the way for negotiations and peaceful solutions.
*
Click the share button below to email/forward this article. Follow us on Instagram and X and subscribe to our Telegram Channel. Feel free to repost Global Research articles with proper attribution.
Ahmed Adel is a Cairo-based geopolitics and political economy researcher. He is a regular contributor to Global Research.
Global Research is a reader-funded media. We do not accept any funding from corporations or governments. Help us stay afloat. Click the image below to make a one-time or recurring donation.
