Link to article: https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/22/europe/russia-deliberately-attacking-civilians-drones-kherson-intl-cmd/index.html
Since the beginning of fall, drone attacks on civilians located in the city of Kherson have reportedly increased, targeting pedestrians, cars, and even ambulances in Southern Ukraine. So far, there have been 14 casualties since the start of September, and 222 more adults and 3 children have been injured. In addition, the city of Kherson has been attacked by over 4,200 Russian drones since September, as of October 17th. Kherson is the largest Ukrainian city located on the front line, and faces Crimea to the South, where Russia has been stationed as a base to attack mainland Ukraine, separated only by the Syvash Lagoon System.
The importance of this article is the fact that it brings attention to Russian attacks on Ukraine that may not be as well known or as covered by the news. Currently, most attention and coverage has been centered around Western Ukraine and the war as a whole, especially Russia’s military developments, but there have evidently been conflicts across the entire country of Ukraine. If it hasn’t already been made evident by its numerous attacks on Ukraine, Russia has no regard for civilian lives, and, as seen in the article, has been purposely aiming drone attacks at civilian populated areas.In addition to this, understanding where the various military bases Russia holds on the borders is essential in analyzing where there have already been assaults and where potential future assaults might be located.
Based on its past activities and attempts to claim Ukrainian territory, it is likely that Russia will continue its attacks on civilians located in the South of Ukraine. Since they have control of Crimea, directly across from Kherson, they have a strong military base very close to the areas they have been assaulting, and it is unlikely they would choose to vacate it. As Ukraine has been receiving attacks all across its borders and throughout its country, they have not been focusing their primary military and resources on Kherson, seeing as the attacks have been consistent since the start of September with little Ukrainian intervention.
In class we have discussed realist theory, and how it goes hand in hand with power, particularly how the acquisition of power is vital in a state’s survival. Currently, we have been seeing this play out, as Russia has been making a power grab at Ukraine’s territory. Realism also relates to the state’s national interests, which has been evident seeing as Russia has been following its national interests since February 2022, when it invaded the state of Ukraine and started a war. Their main goal since they began this conflict has been to overtake Ukraine and its land, and this strongly reflects realist theory, that every state must do what it can to survive.