Skip to main content

Why is Russia targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine?

by Martin Aslan


Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, there have been numerous reports of civilian casualties. Russian media often describe these incidents as collateral damage. Indeed, it is possible for mistakes to occur during military operations, resulting in civilian deaths.

However, evidence suggests that harm to civilians occurs on a regular basis, with destruction focused on infrastructure that holds strategic value. Additionally, infrastructure with significant psychological importance is frequently targeted. This indicates that the Russian forces are deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure.

What Kind of Infrastructure Is Being Targeted?

All essential infrastructure has sustained damage from Russian forces in recent months. This includes water, electricity, gas, and food supplies.

For example:

  • May 24: Missile strikes and artillery shelling were carried out in the Zaporizhia Oblast, destroying electricity pylons that 22,000 people relied on. Russian forces also damaged the gas pipeline supplying gas to 100,000 people in the Luhansk and Zaporizhia Oblasts.
  • May 28: Strikes in the Zaporizhia Oblast caused further damage to power lines, leaving more than 2,700 people without electricity in the Polohy and Orihiv regions. Gas transmission systems in Vasylivka, Hulyaypole, and Orihiv settlements were damaged, while the Stepnohirsk water system was also affected. On the same day, a local firefighting department and agricultural facilities were destroyed.

The images below show that the targeted infrastructure was clearly civilian in nature.

Damages on May 24 in the Avdiivka town




Damages on May 28 in the Mykolaiv town



In another article, I analyzed the looting in Ukraine and Russia’s illegal export of Ukrainian wheat to starve the population. This strategy is aimed at destabilizing the country and supporting its allies, such as Syria.

Destabilization can also be achieved by attacking psychologically significant targets. Schools, for instance, are particularly sensitive. By making parents fear for their children’s safety, an invading force can weaken their resolve to fight for their country. This policy of targeting children is so extensive and calculated that I will dedicate a separate article to this issue.



A preschool damaged on May 24


Why Is This Happening?

By attacking civilians, Russia is sending a clear message of determination. The implicit message is that it does not respect international rules, such as the Geneva Conventions, to which it is a party. These conventions prohibit attacks on civilian objects.

Through these actions, Russia demonstrates that it is willing to harm the population and escalate further if there is resistance. The aim is to convince people that surrendering is preferable to continued fighting, which would only lead to greater suffering.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Relations between Türkiye and Latin America

by Martin Aslan Türkiye has established a real presence in regions such as Africa, especially in Libya and Somalia, as well as in Central Asia. Yet, one part of the world remains relatively under the radar in Turkish foreign policy: Latin America. Despite the geographical distance, it seems Ankara has been quietly working to expand its defense footprint in the region. Interestingly, the roots of Türkiye’s connection to Latin America stretch back to the 19th century, when immigrants from the Ottoman Empire, mostly Arabs, settled in South America. Locals called them "Los Turcos" (The Turks), a nickname that still stucks despite their actual ethnic origins. High-level visits and diplomatic expansion Türkiye launched an “Action Plan for Latin America and the Caribbean” in 1998. It was revised in 2006, when Türkiye declared that year as the “Year of Latin America and the Caribbean”. The plan served as a formal roadmap for engaging more seriously in the region. The first Turkish pr...
Post a Comment
Read more

What will be the next Turkish fighter aircraft?

by Martin Aslan Türkiye is struggling to find willing sellers for modern fighter jets. Ankara faces significant challenges in acquiring its next-generation combat aircraft and remains entangled in ongoing diplomatic disputes. The F-35 fallout Ankara originally intended to purchase 100 F-35 fighter jets from the United States beginning in 2002, when Türkiye joined the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program as a partner nation. Over the following years, it invested in the development and production phases of the aircraft. However, in a significant shift, Türkiye signed a deal with Russia in 2017 to acquire the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. The first deliveries of the S-400 system began in July 2019. This decision sparked concerns among NATO allies over interoperability and security, as the S-400 is not compatible with NATO defense infrastructure. As a result, Türkiye was officially removed from the F-35 program in July 2019. The move marked a turning point in Türkiye’s defense policy...
Post a Comment
Read more

Beyond Diplomacy: Türkiye’s Economic Footprint in Africa

by Martin Aslan Over the past two decades, Türkiye has undergone a significant transformation in its foreign policy, with the African continent emerging as a key strategic focus. Driven by a mix of economic ambition, diplomatic outreach, and geopolitical recalibration, Türkiye has steadily expanded its presence across Africa. This shift, which accelerated after Reçep Tayyip Erdoğan came to power in 2003, is reflected in the rapid increase in Turkish embassies, investment flows, and trade partnerships on the continent. While officials emphasize a “win-win” model of cooperation, critics argue that Türkiye’s engagement is guided more by resource acquisition and market access than by mutual development goals. Let’s not forget that Africa is a continent rich in natural resources, while Türkiye has very few (see the article “Africa, a continent with growing appeal”: https://turkishpulse.blogspot.com/2023/10/africa-continent-with-growing-appeal.html). This article examines the development of ...
Post a Comment
Read more