Russia's War Against Ukraine Is Taking on the Characteristics of a Total War — The Kyiv Independent
The Russian-Ukrainian war is increasingly extending beyond combat operations on the front lines to encompass the economy, the energy sector, infrastructure, and the civilian population. The Kyiv Independent notes that both countries are increasingly mobilizing societal and economic resources for the war, and attacks on rear-area targets are becoming a systematic part of the conflict.
Experts note that this form of warfare involves mobilizing all national resources and the systematic destruction of the enemy’s economic potential, with no regard for international conventions.
While at the start of the full-scale invasion Russia sought to undermine the Ukrainian economy by striking the energy sector and blocking seaports, Ukraine subsequently gained the capability to inflict symmetrical damage on Russian rear areas. Ukrainian forces have targeted not only oil refineries but also civilian ships and logistics centers belonging to the Wildberries network, which is involved in supplying goods to the Russian army. In response, Moscow intensified its strikes on Ukrainian civilian companies, including Silpo chain warehouses, port infrastructure in the Odesa region, and facilities in Kyiv, which accounts for one-fifth of Ukraine’s GDP.
“Total war is synonymous with a total national effort, where all elements of national power are used in the war effort. This means that you use every element of your state to wage this war, both in defense and on the offensive, and the longer it lasts, the more total it becomes,” former Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan told the publication.
Ukrainian military analyst Mykola Belyeskov emphasizes that the logic behind both sides’ actions lies in attempting to inflict irreversible economic damage on the enemy. At the same time, he notes that Russia is placing a disproportionate emphasis on destroying critical life-support infrastructure.
Furthermore, demographic resources and mobilization remain key factors in a protracted total war. Currently, Russia is compensating for its losses by recruiting volunteers with high pay, but the rate of recruitment has already matched the losses on the front lines, reigniting discussions about a possible new wave of mobilization. For Ukraine, the shortage of human resources remains its greatest vulnerability in the event of a prolonged, grueling conflict.
This is reported by The Kyiv Independent.
As a reminder, air defense systems were activated in the Kyiv region due to a Russian attack.
Earlier, Ukraine certified the long-range “Dovbush T40” unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Video: An oil refinery caught fire in Orsk following the attack.
Earlier, the General Staff confirmed a strike on the TANECO oil refinery in Tatarstan.
