Ukrainian strikes are changing the course of the war, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for Russia to conceal their effects, — The Telegraph
Ukrainian attacks on military and strategic targets within Russian territory are gradually shifting the dynamics of the war, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Russian authorities to conceal the true consequences of this protracted conflict from the public.
Russia continues to launch missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, but the effectiveness of some of its weaponry raises serious questions.
The hypersonic “Kinzhal” and “Zircon” missiles, widely touted by the Kremlin and described by Russian propaganda as virtually invulnerable, have proven capable of being intercepted by modern Western air defense systems.
In particular, American Patriot systems have demonstrated the ability to successfully shoot down such targets, casting doubt on Moscow’s claims of their absolute effectiveness.
Special attention is being paid to the development of Ukrainian drone and missile technologies.
According to analysts, strikes by Ukrainian drones on targets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other regions of the Russian Federation are changing Russians’ perception of the war. While military operations previously seemed distant to residents of major cities, the war is now increasingly making its presence felt directly on Russian territory.
The article notes that for a long time, the main burden of the war fell on residents of poorer regions, members of ethnic minorities, and prisoners who were conscripted into the army.
However, due to significant losses at the front, anxiety over possible conscription is beginning to grow even among residents of large cities, who previously remained largely untouched by mobilization efforts.
The authors also draw attention to the worsening labor shortage in the Russian economy.
Due to mobilization and the outflow of men of draft age abroad, Russia is increasingly recruiting migrant workers from other countries, particularly India, to compensate for the labor shortage.
According to the publication’s estimates, even under strict control of the information space, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Russian authorities to conceal economic problems, losses on the front lines, and the consequences of a protracted war.
The publication also notes the tightening of security measures during major state events in Russia. According to the authors, this may indicate the authorities’ concern about internal stability.
At the same time, the publication draws historical parallels with other military conflicts, noting that relying exclusively on force does not always yield the expected political results.
Analysts acknowledge that the risk of further escalation, including the Kremlin’s nuclear rhetoric, remains, but a real shift toward such scenarios is considered unlikely due to an awareness of the catastrophic consequences.
In conclusion, the authors note that a protracted war, economic pressure, and growing domestic problems may gradually influence public sentiment in Russia, and one of the key tasks remains finding conditions to end hostilities and achieve a lasting peace.
This is the conclusion reached by analysts cited by the British publication The Telegraph.
Alexander Khinshtein, governor of Russia’s Kursk region, reported that 507 civilians have been killed as a result of hostilities in the region. He announced these figures during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
As a reminder, on May 18, the Ukrainian Armed Forces struck a Russian command and observation post near Tyotkino in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, as well as a number of other enemy targets in the Kherson, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk regions.
Prior to this, Russian units in the Kursk sector made another attempt to break through to the rear of Ukrainian positions, using a gas pipeline and high-speed light vehicles. Thanks to the coordinated actions of intelligence and paratroopers from the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade of the Airborne Forces, the enemy attack was completely repelled while still in the deployment phase.
