An analyst does not rule out that the occupiers are testing the reaction of the international community by attacking civilian targets.
In the near future, Putin's army will likely continue striking not only Ukraine's energy infrastructure but also civilian objects, as happened in Lviv on September 4.
This opinion was expressed by military expert Oleksiy Hetman in a comment for TSN.ua, explaining that the occupiers aim to spread panic within the country.
"On August 26, there was a massive shelling of Ukraine, targeting the energy infrastructure, with strikes on Kyiv as well. The attack on Lviv is a strike against civilians. It was carried out to either incite panic within the country or to destabilize the situation," Hetman said.
He adds that there is still a disappointing forecast in this regard: "I can sadly assume that such strikes on civilian objects will most likely continue."
The military expert further explained the possible motives of the occupiers: "We are currently witnessing a strategy focused on civilian targets. One can assume their intentions - to sow panic and destabilize the country. I think they will continue trying this. They are interested in how we and the international community react. If our partners respond decisively, the occupiers might stop. But if it’s just more "concern" and "worry," as we've heard for years, the occupiers will smile and continue."
According to Hetman, missile attacks on civilian targets are not a new tactic for Putin's army.
"In the past, the enemy did this occasionally. Now it’s one case after another. This tactic has been used before but has become more frequent," the expert concluded.
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