The Kremlin’s psychological warfare: why is Russia shelling civilians?

The American Institute for the Study of War has explained the true purpose of Russian strikes on Ukrainian residential buildings. Experts are convinced that these are not just terrorist attacks, but a deliberate campaign of moral pressure aimed at demoralizing the Ukrainian population and undermining Western support for Ukraine.

This is stated in the ISW report.

It is noted that Russian missile and drone strikes on civilian targets are not random. On the contrary, this is a carefully planned information and psychological campaign.

According to analysts, Moscow is not pursuing a strategic military goal when it hits residential buildings, hospitals, or schools. The Kremlin’s real intention is to sow disbelief, fear, and break the fighting spirit of both Ukrainians and their Western allies.

ISW emphasizes that the shelling of civilians has a second dimension – the impact on public opinion in NATO countries. Due to the shocking destruction and civilian casualties, Moscow seeks to increase pressure on Western leaders to reduce military aid to Ukraine.

Analysts have once again called for increased supplies of air defense systems, including American Patriot systems. According to ISW, air defense systems should be the main barrier to Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Despite the shelling, Ukrainian forces have made progress in the Pokrovske direction, while Russian forces have advanced near Velyky Burluk and in the Novopavlivka area. This demonstrates that the fighting remains dynamic, but the psychological front is no less important than the line of contact.

By the way, the number of victims in Kherson has increased after a night attack by a Russian drone.

Earlier, Russian troops carried out a massive attack on the city of Samar in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

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