Why Ukraine Is Betting on Strikes Deep Inside Russia

As the war in Ukraine rages on, Ukrainian officials are pinning their hopes on a new strategy: hitting targets deep inside Russia. The goal is to bring the pain of war closer to the Russian people, in the hopes that it will pressure the Kremlin to negotiate a settlement. Ukrainian officials believe that by striking at Russian military and economic assets far from the front lines, they can change the calculus of the Kremlin and force President Vladimir Putin to reconsider his stance on the conflict.

The rationale behind this strategy is that the Kremlin has so far been able to maintain a sense of normalcy and stability within Russia, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. By keeping the conflict contained within Ukraine’s borders, the Kremlin has managed to shield its citizens from the harsh realities of war. Ukrainian officials argue that by bringing the war to Russian soil, they can disrupt this narrative and make the Russian people realize the true cost of their government’s actions.

Ukraine has been steadily increasing its use of long-range missiles and drones to strike targets deep inside Russia. These attacks have targeted military installations, oil facilities, and other strategic assets, causing significant disruptions and damage. While the Kremlin has vowed to retaliate against Ukraine for these strikes, Ukrainian officials remain undeterred, convinced that their strategy is the key to breaking the deadlock in negotiations.

The Ukrainian government has been pushing for a diplomatic solution to the conflict, but so far, Russia has shown little willingness to compromise. By taking the fight to Russian territory, Ukrainian officials hope to create a sense of urgency and raise the stakes for the Kremlin. They believe that if Russians begin to feel the effects of the war directly, they will demand that their government find a way to end the conflict.

It’s a high-risk strategy, to be sure. The Kremlin has made it clear that it will not be easily intimidated or swayed by Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil. But Ukrainian officials are convinced that they have little choice but to try something new. With the war dragging on and no clear end in sight, they are betting that bringing the fight to Russia will be the best way to bring about a negotiated settlement.