Following a major Russian strike against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Vitaly Portnikov expressed condolences to victims and analyzed the motives behind such aggression. He stressed that these attacks, launched during severe frosts, do not pursue military objectives but aim to freeze the population, weaken Ukraine, and force its capitulation.
Portnikov underlined that Putin seeks to end the war on Russia’s terms through pressure on both Ukrainian society and European allies. He highlighted reports about the use of the Russian "Areshnik" missile in Lviv region as a signal to Europe, which has decided to freeze Russian assets and support Ukraine. According to the expert, Russia is trying to frighten European countries to deter them from helping Ukraine.
Portnikov also noted the possibility of escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war and explained why NATO participation or a deployment of its forces in Ukraine is unacceptable to the Kremlin. He voiced confidence that attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure will continue as long as Russia hopes to force Ukrainians into capitulation.
Portnikov concluded that these attacks are not just a military or energy operation but an attempt to use winter and fear to achieve the Kremlin’s political goals.
