The only way to stop Russia’s attacks is to bring the whole war to an end, says Ilmari Käihkö, visiting researcher at the Aleksanteri Institute.
Over the course of the fall, Russia has carried out hundreds of missile strikes on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Last week, missile strikes caused the worst destruction of the war so far to Ukraine’s energy grid – and there is no relief in sight.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi estimates that the week starting now will be as difficult for Ukrainians as the previous one.
Docent of military sciences, Visiting researcher at the Aleksanteri Institute, interviewed in ‘s morning Ilmari Käihkö estimates that Russia’s ability to continue its attacks may last as long as the war.
The path chosen by Russia is difficult for Ukraine, as it cannot easily respond to attacks.
– The only way for Ukraine to stop these attacks is to end the war. It might require frontal attacks from Ukraine, says Käihkö.
Ukraine protects its critical infrastructure with air defense systems, but even with these, destruction cannot be completely prevented: although the effects of attacks can be minimized, the systems cannot prevent attacks or shoot down all Russian missiles.
– Ukraine cannot stop the attacks with these systems in any way, Käihkö sums up.
Ukraine needs “massive support”
Germany is currently considering sending Patriot anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine. It first offered anti-aircraft missiles to Poland after a missile crash in the country, but Poland began to demand that the missiles be given to Ukraine.
According to Ilmari Käihkö, the Patriot systems could alleviate the suffering of the Ukrainians, but they will not end the war either.
– Massive support is needed there for Ukraine to liberate its own territories.
– This kind of support is currently not seen to the extent that it is needed.
Listen here: Russia strikes Ukraine’s energy system with missiles
Civilians need food, shelter and water
Part of the important military support given to Ukraine by the West will probably be transferred to humanitarian support, Käihkö estimates.
Director of International Disaster Relief of the Finnish Red Cross Marko Koronen says that the need for help varies in different parts of Ukraine. Food, shelter and water are needed in eastern Ukraine.
Instead, people in western and central Ukraine can also be helped in cash. People can buy the supplies they need with money.
‘s foreign editor Antti Kuronen especially in war zones, food aid is also important, because the Russian attacks have resulted in a large number of people being unemployed.
Winter will be long in the country if citizens do not have water, electricity, heating and the ability to communicate.
But will it break Ukraine?
– Probably not, says Ilmari Käihkö.
We will run into problems if the front lines stop and at the same time Russian missile strikes continue. How long will Ukraine be able to continue its fight in such a situation, Käihkö wonders.
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