Ruslan Shoshyn: Explosions in Moscow and Ukraine. Is Putin opening a new, dangerous phase of war?
The article discusses a series of targeted explosions and assassinations in Moscow and Ukraine, raising concerns about a new escalation in the conflict involving Russia.
In recent years, both Ukraine and Russia have seen a troubling rise in targeted assassinations and bombings linked to the ongoing conflict. The article recounts several significant incidents, including the deaths of high-ranking Russian generals due to disguised explosives, showcasing the deteriorating security situation. Most notably, General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's radiation, chemical, and biological protection forces, was killed in December 2024 by an explosive device hidden in a scooter outside his residence.
Further illustrating the volatility, General Faniล Sarwarow, head of the operational training department of the Russian army, was assassinated with a bomb attached to his vehicle last December. Additional attempts on military officials, such as the wounding of General Vladimir Alekseev, who survived an assassination attempt, suggest a persistent threat to key figures in the Russian military. This trend indicates a possible shift where such targeted attacks might become more common as internal political dynamics or external pressures escalate the conflict.
The article also touches on incidents in Ukraine that reveal a similar pattern of violence, including the assassination of notable political figures far from the front lines of the war. Recent events raise questions about the strategic implications of these attacks, suggesting they could introduce a new, dangerous phase in the already complicated relations between Russia and Ukraine. As the situation evolves, itโs evident that both nations may face heightened instability and retaliatory cycles, deeply affecting the regional security landscape.