Having lost the initiative on all fronts, the Russian military is now targeting critical infrastructure such as power plants, oil and gas storage facilities and transportation hubs in Ukraine with long-range fire. And that has consequences: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (44) said that about 30 percent of the power plants had been destroyed. But they are working hard to restore the infrastructure. The population suffers the most because they have to live without electricity.
ETH security expert Mauro Mantovani (59) told Blick about the Russian attacks: “It looks like a change of strategy, similar to that of the German Air Force in September 1940 in the Battle of Britain, when military targets were replaced by civilian targets.” however, there is one key difference: “Putin’s change of strategy arose out of necessity because he was unable to advance in the fight against military targets.”
No comprehensive protection
Mantovani expects further attacks on critical infrastructure. “The chances are very high.” It’s a relatively easy game for the Russians: There are many infrastructure targets in the vast Ukraine, and the air defense system is incomplete and will remain so after Western defense systems are delivered, Mantovani says.
The attacks are mainly carried out with cruise missiles and drones, which are difficult to detect by radar due to their low airspeed and low altitude. In addition to modern air defense systems, NATO has promised jamming systems to counter drones. However, the situation is far from defused. Mantovani about Blick: “After the delivery of all these systems, the training will follow, which should take weeks to months.”
A comprehensive air defense system in Ukraine is in any case out of the question because of the large airspace. “Only individual, particularly important objects such as distribution centers can be protected,” continues the ETH expert.
“These are acts of terrorism”
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (64) describes the Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy supply as “war crimes”. “Targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure – with the clear intent to cut off men, women and children from water, electricity and heating – are pure acts of terror,” the German politician told the European Parliament on Wednesday in Strasbourg. This is the beginning of “a new chapter in an already brutal war”.
Now you have to stay on course, said von der Leyen. They will assist Ukraine for as long as necessary while protecting EU citizens from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “energy war”.
According to Mantovani, Putin’s attacks on critical infrastructure are aimed at exhausting the population and indirectly the government in Kiev. But the ETH expert is convinced: “According to all historical experience, Putin will especially strengthen the spirit of resistance among the Ukrainians. It will also take reconciliation far away.”