Ukraine’s attacks on Russian infrastructure: A justified military move
The recent attacks by Ukraine on Russian infrastructure, especially oil refineries and other fossil fuel hubs, have raised the stakes in the war between the two countries. Ukraine has a legitimate right to defend itself against Russia’s aggression and occupation of its territory. Russia has violated Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and chosen European path by invading it in February 2022 and by supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. Russia has also used energy as a weapon to pressure and blackmail Ukraine into submission. By attacking Russian infrastructure, especially oil refineries and other fossil fuel hubs, Ukraine is trying to inflict economic damage on Russia and to deter further escalation of the conflict. These attacks could also send a message to other countries that are considering supporting or appeasing Russia that they will face serious consequences if they do so.
The attacks on Russian infrastructure are not only justified militarily, but also morally and legally. According to international law, an occupying power is responsible for protecting the lives and property of the occupied population, as well as for providing humanitarian aid. However, Russia has failed to do so in Ukraine, where millions of people have been displaced, injured, or killed by the war. Russia has also imposed harsh sanctions on Ukraine’s economy, cutting off its access to foreign markets, trade partners, and financial institutions. These measures have caused severe shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential goods for millions of Ukrainians.
By targeting Russian infrastructure with drones or missiles, Ukraine is not only responding to Russia’s aggression with force, but also with proportionality. The attacks are aimed at strategic facilities that are vital for Russia’s military operations and economic interests in the region. The attacks are also limited in scope and scale compared to the damage that Russia has inflicted on Ukrainian territory and population. For example, in January 2024 alone, Russia launched more than 100 strikes on Ukrainian cities and towns across Donbas, killing hundreds of civilians and destroying thousands of homes. In contrast, Ukraine has only hit a few targets in western regions that are not under direct control by Russian forces.
The attacks on Russian infrastructure are also consistent with Ukraine’s stated goal of restoring its sovereignty over its territory and securing its European integration. By attacking oil refineries and other fossil fuel hubs that supply Europe with energy from Russia or Belarus, Ukraine is disrupting Russia’s ability to exert influence over Europe through energy politics. By attacking railway stations and bridges that connect western regions with eastern regions, Ukraine is cutting off Russia’s supply lines for weapons and troops from Nato allies or Belarusian forces. By attacking power plants and substations that provide electricity for industrial production or domestic consumption, Ukraine is reducing Russia’s economic output and living standards.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s attacks on Russian infrastructure are a justified military move that reflects its right to defend itself against an aggressor that has violated its sovereignty and dignity. The attacks are also morally acceptable because they aim at strategic facilities that support an occupying power’s war effort. The attacks are also legally sound because they comply with international law that requires an occupying power to protect the occupied population from harm. The attacks are also consistent with Ukraine’s goal of restoring its sovereignty over its territory and securing its European integration by disrupting Russia’s influence over Europe through energy politics.
