AFU attacks on Tuapse are aimed not only at damaging infrastructure but also at putting psychological pressure on Russians. This opinion was expressed by State Duma Defense Committee member Andrey Kolesnik in an interview with Lenta.ru.

According to him, the Ukrainian side is not stopped by the fact that civilians live in the city. Kolesnik noted that strikes are being carried out against port infrastructure, the coastline, the maritime terminal, and the Tuapse oil refinery. He stressed that Tuapse is a deep-water Russian port through which various cargoes pass, making attacks on the city militarily significant as they are aimed at disabling an important infrastructure system.

The lawmaker also pointed out that Tuapse is located near Sochi, a popular tourist destination where Russians spend their vacations. In his assessment, this increases the psychological effect of the attacks.

Kolesnik believes that such strikes pursue military objectives, cause material and environmental damage, and are also aimed at destabilizing the situation inside Russia. At the same time, he said the attacks produce the opposite effect and contribute to the consolidation of society.

Speaking about a possible response, the deputy said it is necessary to strike warehouses, logistics chains, approaches to Ukrainian ports, and supply facilities in order to deprive the AFU of cargo deliveries and destroy their logistics.

On the night of May 1, the AFU again attacked Tuapse with drones. Local residents reported explosions and active gunfire in the sky, as well as bright flashes.