The war has returned to its point of origin. According to Ukrainian officials, the military confrontation has now significantly shifted onto Russian soil, with strikes reaching deep into the country’s heartland.
In recent days, more than 250 aerial objects have been detected near Moscow, as reported by Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Vyskodub. These are deliberately aimed at military infrastructure within the aggressor state. “The war that Russia brought to Ukraine is now coming back to its home port,” commented Moscow’s mayor on the development.
These Ukrainian attacks represent a strategic turning point in the conflict. While fighting was previously concentrated on Ukrainian territory, it now regularly reaches major Russian cities and economic centers. This underscores the growing capabilities of Ukrainian forces, despite Russia’s continued superiority in conventional weaponry.
In response to the Ukrainian strikes, the Kremlin is escalating its own assaults. “In response, the Kremlin typically reacts hysterically and indiscriminately attacks civilian objects in Ukraine,” Vyskodub stated. Russian retaliatory strikes frequently hit residential areas, hospitals, and energy infrastructure, leading to further civilian casualties.
The war’s expansion into Russian territory has practical implications for European security. It demonstrates that the conflict is no longer confined to Ukraine and now directly impacts Russia’s own population. Simultaneously, the risk of further escalation increases as Moscow faces growing pressure to protect its borders.
For Germany and the EU, this development presents an additional challenge. Support for Ukraine must continue to be carefully calibrated—strengthening Ukrainian defense capabilities while avoiding uncontrolled escalation. The recent attacks highlight the urgency of providing air defense systems to Ukraine, which can protect Ukrainian cities and complicate Russian strikes on civilian targets.
The strategic significance of this shift lies in its psychological impact. For the first time since the invasion began, Russian citizens in the heartland are experiencing the reality of war firsthand. This could, in the long term, influence public support for Putin’s war, even if the immediate military effects remain limited.
What comes next depends on several factors. The Ukrainian military will seek to further develop its capabilities for deep strikes, while Russia will bolster air defenses around Moscow and other major cities. The international community faces the difficult task of supporting Ukraine without allowing the conflict to spiral out of control.
In response, the Kremlin traditionally attacks civilian objects in Ukraine hysterically and indiscriminately
Wyskodub
