The Russian military's extensive airstrikes on Kyiv in recent days have sparked various questions in the Russian media.
The closure of fuel stations by Ukrainian authorities just before the attack and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's departure to Ireland have fueled debates over how much was known about the operation.
According to Russia's Novorossiya news website, the US learned about the attack three days in advance and warned Kyiv. The site questions why Russian airstrikes are only discovered after they occur, while claiming that information on Russian military movements leaks to Kyiv via the West.
Expert: Attack may be symbolic, public anger persists
Novorossiya discussed the issue with military expert Ilya Golovnev. Golovnev argued that the attack carried out with Iskander missiles was symbolic, intended to give the impression of a response to Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries.
According to the expert, the images of Ukrainians queueing for petrol were meant to send a message to the Russian public that 'the situation is also difficult in Ukraine.' However, the warnings issued before the attack raise the question of 'how freely the Russian side can make its own decisions.'
Information leaks and public reaction
Golovnev pointed out that the Russian public pays more attention to everyday life than to television news, saying, 'If even the President of Russia has to acknowledge a fuel shortage in the country, how much comfort can images of a burning fuel station in Kyiv provide to the people?'
The expert said that public discontent in Russia can no longer be soothed by 'nice' images of destruction in Ukraine, and many blame the vulnerability at Russian oil refineries on negligence by officials and companies.
He stressed that the questions 'When will Russia start acting in its own interests? Are decisions made because they are truly necessary, or just to show that the enemy also has problems?' are being voiced increasingly.
Debate over 'tipping off the enemy'
Golovnev noted that the leaking of information about Russian attacks contradicts the rhetoric that 'Russia does not consult anyone' and its emphasis on sovereignty. He said Moscow views Ukraine as its own territory, so it has no international notification obligation and therefore should not need to take precautions against external powers.
The analysis suggests that 'Russia's claim to position itself as an independent center in a multipolar world is incompatible with the practice of tipping off the enemy about potential attacks in advance.' Golovnev added that this situation is 'extremely worrying.'
