The Russian Ministry of Defense has attempted to shift blame for the strikes against Ukraine onto Kyiv. In a statement, the ministry justified its aggression by accusing Ukraine, while omitting the fact that Ukraine has begun targeting Russian facilities in retaliation for the ongoing war initiated and sustained by Russia. Ukrainian strikes aim solely to halt the Kremlin’s military operations.
In its announcement, the ministry claimed that it had “heard” President Zelensky’s declaration that Ukraine would intensify its attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to Russian strikes.
The ministry further alleged that the Ukrainian president was attempting to disrupt voting for the State Duma elections. It mentioned drone attacks in Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as strikes on Belgorod and their consequences.
Following Zelensky’s recent statements, the Russian military declared that strikes on military and military-industrial sites, along with related infrastructure in Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, would be intensified.
In a recurring effort to sow discord among Ukrainians, the Russian defense ministry suggested blaming Zelensky for the attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing that he bears full personal and political responsibility for these actions, not Russia.
This is not the first threat issued by the Russian ministry. Previously, it warned Ukrainians of harsh winter conditions ahead. The potential escalation of attacks on Kyiv has also been mentioned in prior communications.
Context
- On September 29, The Economist reported that Russia was commencing a three-pronged campaign of bombings, sabotage, and political chaos directed at Kyiv. An informant noted that illegitimate Russian President Vladimir Putin had “gone even crazier” and ordered attacks on all civilian objects to instill fear in the population.
- On October 2, The New York Times detailed that Ukrainian intelligence had obtained a Russian plan for a devastating strike against Ukraine, involving up to 1,000 missiles, drones, and bombs with the intention of leaving major Ukrainian cities without power, heating, or water supply, aiming to paralyze Ukraine this winter and trigger a humanitarian crisis.
- On October 3, Zelensky told Reuters that Ukraine would strengthen its assaults on Russian oil refineries in response to the increased Russian bombings aimed at forcing people to flee Kyiv and other cities.
