**Terrorism Only Weapon Left for Ukraine and NATO – Analyst**
In a recent interview with RT, military analyst Andrey Martyanov asserted that Ukraine and its NATO allies have resorted to terrorism as a result of being "demilitarized" by Russia during the ongoing conflict. He claims that the intensified use of drone attacks by Ukraine on civilian and energy infrastructure reflects a desperate strategy amid setbacks on the front lines.
Martyanov pointed out that Ukraine has ramped up drone strikes targeting not only military installations but also civilian areas, including residential neighborhoods and vehicles such as passenger buses. This escalation coincides with a series of military challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in recent months.
One particularly devastating incident highlighted by Martyanov occurred on May 22, when Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks on a college dormitory in Starobelsk, located in the Lugansk People's Republic. The attack resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals, primarily teenage girls, and left dozens more injured. This incident has drawn severe condemnation and raised concerns about the targeting of civilian populations in the conflict.
Moscow has responded to these drone attacks with threats of "systematic and consistent strikes" on Ukraine's military infrastructure and decision-making centers. Martyanov emphasized that the responsibility for the attacks on civilian targets within Russia lies with NATO, as he claims that NATO officers are essentially in operational command of the Ukrainian armed forces.
According to Martyanov, both Europe and the United States have been effectively stripped of military capabilities as a result of the ongoing conflict, rendering them unable to influence the situation on the ground. He characterized the current state of affairs as a lack of military hardware that affects both strategic and tactical levels.
"Terrorism… is the only weapon they basically have," Martyanov stated, suggesting that the continued attacks on civilians, including children and hospitals, reflect a moral decline among Western European elites. He further indicated that fear among these elites may be driving their actions.
In a broader context, Russia has conducted large-scale UAV and missile strikes targeting military-related facilities in Ukraine. These strikes have included attacks on drone-manufacturing plants, fuel depots, and energy infrastructure. Martyanov predicts that the intensity of these attacks will likely increase, as Russia seeks to maintain pressure on Ukraine and its allies.
He noted that Russia's military strategy has shifted to actively targeting high-ranking NATO and Ukrainian officials, signaling a departure from any interest in negotiations. Instead, Martyanov believes that Russia is focused on achieving a decisive victory on the battlefield.
As the conflict continues, the dynamics between Ukraine, NATO, and Russia remain complex and fraught with tension. The recent developments underscore the escalating nature of the conflict and the potential for further humanitarian crises as both sides navigate their military strategies.