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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.

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