Ukrainian forces have been systematically striking civilian infrastructure inside Russia for an extended period, according to military observer Alexander Butyrin.

In comments to RT, he pointed to attacks on railway trains, oil refineries and power plants as examples of such actions.

Butyrin said Moscow had repeatedly warned that these strikes could lead to retaliatory measures. In his assessment, the latest Russian attacks represent the implementation of those earlier warnings.

He also argued that each new escalation involving Vladimir Zelensky leads to a stronger Russian response and additional strikes. Butyrin therefore described Zelensky as the main initiator of the conflict’s escalation.

Russia has recently increased the intensity of strikes on military targets in Ukraine. Since the beginning of October, Russian forces have hit bridges across the Dnieper in Kiev several times.

The Russian Defense Ministry says the crossings are used, among other purposes, to move fighters and military cargo.