Russian strikes on Ukraine are not retaliation, but pre-planned attacks – expert

This opinion was shared by military observer Vasyl Pekhno on Espreso TV.

"In general, we see that even this recent strike, including Cheboksary and Savasleyka, and all the events from last week, as well as the special operation Spider’s Web and other ongoing strikes. One important detail that should not be ignored is the destruction of Iskander-M missile launchers in Russia’s Bryansk region. These were part of a battery stationed in the Klintsy district, which was used to launch attacks on our territory. Over the weekend, the [Ukrainian] President said that three of those launchers were destroyed. All of this is aimed at reducing the deadliness of Russian missile strikes. I think it's completely wrong, from an information warfare perspective, to frame any Russian attack as a 'response'," he said.

He noted that the Russians react to the painful hits delivered by Ukraine’s Defense Forces: "But I believe it's wrong to look at this as if they're just retaliating. What makes more sense is to understand that Russia had already planned these strikes. One way or another, they were going to launch them, and they would have been and still remain dangerous for us."

Ukraine’s Defense Forces are striking preemptively to weaken the effectiveness and impact of future Russian attacks.

Pekhno added that one of the most effective things Russia can do to support its summer offensive is to destabilize Ukraine’s rear. This includes repeated night attacks on cities.

"So, to support their summer offensive, the best tactic for them is to terrorize the civilian population — to create pressure on the government and push for bad or even capitulation decisions that Russia wants. That’s their first goal. Second, they want to shut down our energy systems and break our logistics. To stop this, our troops are working to cut down Russia’s edge in aircraft, drones, and missiles — so that the strikes we do suffer are less devastating. This includes the strike on the Cheboksary facility, which makes Kometa-M systems that help them bypass our layered air defense."

"If we manage to take out these guidance antennas, including satellite ones, it could make it easier to stop Shahed drones. Right now, the sheer number of drones and their improved navigation is causing real concern, so much so that Parliament is even discussing whether to restrict mobile networks or shut down Internet access during air raids. These talks haven’t led to action yet, but they’re happening. The enemy is constantly upgrading their strike systems, and we are doing everything possible, choosing between bad and worse, because in war, there are no good options. Only bad or worse. Our Defense Forces are doing the best they can in these conditions, including with these targeted strikes," Pekhno added.

• On the evening of June 8, Russia launched Shahed drones over Ukraine, along with guided bombs and missiles.
• Meanwhile, during the night of June 9, Ukrainian forces struck the Savasleyka airfield in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region, hitting two aircraft.
• Later that night, June 9, Russia reported shooting down 49 drones across seven regions. One of the targets was the plant in Cheboksary that produces Comet antennas — a key component in Russia’s defense against Ukrainian electronic warfare.