Analysis: Russia doubles down in Ukraine, setting stage for 'total war'
Two large and heavily armed states locked in an existential armed struggle. Hundreds of thousands of casualties. Mass mobilization. Systematic long-range strike campaigns against the enemy's economy and infrastructure. Defense budgets swallowing huge proportions of state spending. All these factors evoke an image of "total war" — the kind of interstate conflict where state, society, and economy…
Russia has escalated its military campaign in Ukraine, setting the stage for what could be considered a total war. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and extensive mobilizations on both sides. Both nations have intensified their long-range strike campaigns against each other's economies and infrastructure.
Ukraine's scaled-up strike campaign has brought strategic offensive pressure on Moscow for the first time, targeting oil refineries, energy export facilities, and warehouses. The economic impact of these attacks has caused billions of dollars in damage to the Russian economy and heightened the feeling that the war is directly affecting the lives of ordinary Russians.
Despite efforts to push for negotiations, Russia has responded with its own attacks against Ukraine's economy, including retail and logistics warehouses, post services, and e-commerce giant Wildberries. The use of advanced technology and strategic weaponry suggests an intent for total war outcomes, with both sides employing all elements of their national power in the war effort.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
