 on Ukrainian cities, resulting in devastating consequences for civilians.){kind=link}
Russia is intensifying its aerial terror campaign (assaults) on Ukrainian cities, resulting in devastating consequences for civilians. According to analysts, this brutal campaign is part of a deliberate strategy to create the illusion that Russia is winning the war, undermine Ukraine’s morale, and pressure Kyiv’s Western allies. The recent wave of attacks has claimed numerous civilian lives, including those of three siblings, Stanislav, Tamara, and Roman Martynyuk, who died when a Russian strike hit their home in Korostyshiv.
Civilian Casualties Mount
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported that at least 209 civilians were killed across Ukraine last month, marking the deadliest month since September 2024. May has also been particularly terrifying for Ukrainian civilians, with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stating that Russia’s goal is “fear and death”. The parents of the Martynyuk children were wounded in the strike, with their mother seriously injured. Roman, the oldest child, was just days away from graduating.
Russia’s Strategy to Create an Illusion of Victory
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War say Russia’s aerial campaign aims to degrade Ukrainian morale and convince the West that a Russian victory is inevitable, making supporting Ukraine futile. Putin knows that the only way Russia can win the war is if Ukraine’s Western allies stop supporting Kyiv. Russia has been introducing new demands and blaming Kyiv for not accepting them, stalling ceasefire talks proposed by Trump.
Trump’s Stance on the Conflict
US President Donald Trump has been flip-flopping between threatening to punish Russia with more sanctions if it doesn’t sign up to a ceasefire proposal and suggesting he could walk away from the issue altogether. Trump said Putin “has gone absolutely CRAZY!” after Russia launched its biggest aerial assault against Ukraine since the start of the war. However, Trump also slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for suggesting that “America’s silence” encourages Putin to continue his onslaught.
Consequences of the Russian Strikes
The consequences of the Russian strikes have been horrifying, with many civilians caught in the crossfire. Oleh Hodovaniuk, Tamara’s teacher, described the day the news of her death broke out as very difficult for the school. The school windows had been blown out by the pressure wave from explosions, and a memorial point at the school’s entrance was flooded with flowers and plush toys. Hodovaniuk said, “No one coordinated this, but most of the school came wearing black.” He added, “Tamara was very well behaved and modest, like all the children in her family”.
International Response
The international community remains concerned about the escalating violence. The Atlantic Council notes that Russia’s aerial attacks create untenable living conditions for civilians, disrupting access to basic necessities like heating, power, water, and healthcare. Any peace deal that fails to hold Russia accountable would erode international law.