Russia Shifts Tactics Out of Weakness: Why Hospitals and Gas Stations Are Now Targets.

A New Russian Strategy Emerges

According to Espreso.tv: According to Viktor Bobyrenko, head of the expert group at the Policy Analysis Bureau, Russia can no longer effectively counter Ukrainian strikes and has deliberately begun targeting civilian infrastructure. He argues that this tactical shift is evident in attacks on hospitals and gas stations in cities like Sumy. Because Russian forces cannot adequately respond to Ukrainian strikes on their own military infrastructure, they are now hitting non-military sites.

In Sumy, strikes have been recorded against hospitals and fuel stations. The first attack on a station near the 'Epicenter' shopping complex occurred as early as October 2022. In total, eight gas stations have been burned down as a result of these assaults. The Russian military employs a wide range of weaponry, including:

• attack drones
• small drones
• guided aerial bombs (KABs)
• long-range artillery
• multiple rocket launchers

Despite these attacks, the fuel supply situation remains under control. People in Sumy are not panicking. As Viktor Bobyrenko notes,

“if the enemy enters winter, we will have to endure another terrible winter”

“it won’t be us”

Russia’s Duma Elections and Their Impact

It is also important to note that Russia’s Duma elections are scheduled for September 18–20, 2023, which could influence the Kremlin’s next moves in the war. The situation remains complex, but fuel supply management in Ukraine indicates a degree of stability in this sector.

Russia’s strategic shift toward targeting civilian sites highlights the declining effectiveness of its military operations against Ukraine. These new tactics may stem from pressure exerted by Ukrainian forces on Russian infrastructure, as well as the internal political climate in Russia ahead of upcoming elections. At the same time, Ukraine’s control over fuel supplies suggests the country is taking necessary steps to maintain stability amid hostilities. This points to a readiness of Ukrainian resources to face new challenges that may arise during the winter months.