Against the backdrop of increased diplomatic support from Beijing, the Kremlin has undertaken a bold escalation of the war against Ukraine. According to the authoritative British newspaper The Times, Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a new, more aggressive phase of the conflict. This move marks a significant turnaround and represents a direct response to internal and external factors.
Strike on Government Center in Kyiv
The culmination of this new offensive thinking was the strike on the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv. This attack is not just another military action, but has a clear political and symbolic meaning. This is the first time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion that a Russian missile has struck a government institution in the very heart of the Ukrainian capital. As air raid sirens shattered the silence over the city, the explosion echoed as a warning aimed at the Ukrainian government and the international community. On-site observers report significant damage to the key state institution, with the air offensive being one of the most massive since the start of the war.
Chinese Support and Internal Pressure
According to The Times, the Russian leader's confidence, which is behind this decisive escalation, was significantly bolstered after his recent meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing. During the talks in the Chinese capital, the two leaders emphasized an "unprecedentedly high level" of their bilateral relations. During the military parade that followed the meeting, Putin was positioned immediately to the right of the Chinese leader, which is a strong and unambiguous political signal. This demonstrative gesture is interpreted as a sign of close coordination and mutual support between the two countries, especially in the context of Russia's aggressive policy.
Analysts note that this move by the Kremlin is also a response to pressure from internal radical circles in Russia. These groups have long been calling for more uncompromising actions, and in particular, for strikes on so-called "decision-making centers" in Ukraine. The new attack on Kyiv appears to be a fulfillment of these demands, which may be aimed at consolidating internal support for the war and presenting the Kremlin as more decisive and strong.
This new phase of the conflict seriously challenges international law and regional stability, showing that the Russian leadership is ready to expand the boundaries of military actions, especially when it feels supported by key world powers.