At night, the Russian army launched another series of strikes on Kyiv. The targets were not military facilities, but civilian ones, including residential buildings. As a result of the attack, one of the buildings was partially destroyed. Unfortunately, more than twenty civilians were killed. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko showed fragments of missiles with cluster munitions that were used to attack the city. The use of such weapons against a densely populated metropolis indicates the intention to cause as many civilian casualties as possible.
These attacks are taking place against the backdrop of Russian propaganda openly demanding more footage of destruction and suffering from Ukraine. While officials like Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov deny strikes on civilians, media figures say something entirely different. Ivan Pankin, a host on Komsomolskaya Pravda radio, stated directly that the Russian audience needs a "picture" that would please them.
According to him, Russians are tired of the lack of big news from Ukraine. He would like to see something that would "really shake things up." For example, he would be pleased with the news of the assassination of the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Pankin complains that information about Ukrainians sitting without electricity and water cannot be "sold" to a wide audience because there is no corresponding picture. Therefore, Russian propaganda needs spectacular footage where everything is smoking, exploding, and being destroyed. As an example of a "beautiful shot," he cited the strike on the Kherson regional administration building.
Thus, a terrifying link is created between the desires of the media and the actions of the army. When the Ukrainian military achieves success on the front, for example, by destroying Russian aircraft, missiles are fired at peaceful cities in response. This is revenge aimed at the civilian population. Since the Russian army cannot achieve victory on the battlefield, it takes out its anger on unarmed people.
Pankin's statements clearly explain why Russia strikes residential buildings and administrative buildings that have no military significance. They need content for television to satisfy the sadistic needs of their audience. It seems that the attacks are carried out not for a military purpose, but for entertainment and media effect. The main thing is that Russian propaganda gets vivid footage of suffering.
In this regard, Ukrainians are once again reminded of the need to follow safety rules. When an air raid siren sounds, it is imperative to go to a shelter. One should not neglect their life because, as practice shows, those who go down to the shelter stay alive.
