In any war, the key to victory is to make the conflict so costly for the enemy that they are forced to surrender. This principle applies to the war in Ukraine, where Russia has been employing a strategy aimed at breaking the Ukrainian people’s will to resist. Their tactics involve systematically targeting critical infrastructure, particularly healthcare and energy systems, with the goal of inflicting widespread suffering and disrupting everyday life. This strategy, in its most brutal form, involves the use of ‘double-tap’ attacks.
According to a report in The Lancet, Russia has been deliberately using ‘double-tap’ attacks, where an initial airstrike is followed by a second strike on the same location shortly after. The timing of the second strike is intended to target first responders, medical personnel, and civilians who arrive to assist victims of the initial strike. The World Health Organization has documented a staggering 1,973 attacks on healthcare facilities, transport, supplies, staff, and patients in Ukraine since the war began, marking the highest number ever recorded in any humanitarian emergency. These attacks have become increasingly frequent, with double-tap strikes becoming a common occurrence.
The devastating consequences of these attacks extend far beyond the immediate casualties. Targeting emergency responders, a core component of any functioning healthcare system, has a cascading effect. It not only amplifies the death toll but also sows fear and discourages people from seeking help. This creates a vicious cycle of fear and despair, further crippling the healthcare system and leaving the population vulnerable. The constant threat of attacks also strains resources, diverting funds away from vital services to rebuild damaged infrastructure and train new personnel. As the war drags on, these challenges become increasingly difficult to address, further undermining Ukraine’s ability to care for its people.
Russia’s attacks are not limited to the healthcare system. They have also targeted energy infrastructure, with devastating consequences. Ukraine’s energy grid, already weakened by the war, is struggling to meet the heating demands of the country’s population, especially during harsh winters. The United Nations and the World Bank estimate that Ukraine has lost over half its power-generating capacity since the war began, leaving millions vulnerable to the cold.
The attacks on energy infrastructure have far-reaching ramifications. Beyond the hardship experienced by civilians, the disruption of energy supply impacts military operations, hampering transportation, communication, and equipment. Restoring a resilient, decentralized, and solar-powered energy grid that would be less vulnerable to attacks would require billions of euros and years of dedicated effort. In the meantime, the loss of life due to cold weather, coupled with the psychological stress and hardship, is expected to continue, further eroding the resilience of both civilians and Ukrainian troops.
Through these systematic attacks, Russia is aiming to make the war unbearably costly for Ukraine. They are employing a strategy of gradual attrition, hoping to weaken the Ukrainian people’s resolve and force them to concede to Russia’s demands. The tactics employed by Russia are designed to inflict suffering and undermine the very foundations of Ukrainian society. It is a strategy that exploits the most basic human needs and vulnerabilities, creating a stark picture of the brutal reality of modern warfare.
