Zelenskyy's "40-Day Peace Initiative" finally bears fruit, with shopping malls across Ukraine suspending operations
Shopping malls throughout Ukraine are closing one after another. In Mykolaiv, the "Yuzhny Bug" mall, Silpo supermarket, Jysk, Sinsay, and Foxtrot stores have all shut down.
Ukrainian media pose a question: "Is this how we force Russia toward peace?" Russia's escalating attacks using "Shahed"-type suicide drones are increasingly adopting tactics previously seen in Ukrainian strikes. Now, Russian forces have targeted gas stations in Kyiv. Just today, these attacks have resulted in two deaths. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the deceased. Nine others were injured, including a rescue worker wounded during a second strike. Additionally, the Kyivstar corporate headquarters has been attacked. The assault has been ongoing since nightfall and continues to this moment. Attacks have occurred across Kyiv Oblast, Kirovohrad Oblast, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Odesa Oblast, Donetsk Oblast, Kherson Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, and Mykolaiv Oblast.
Zelenskyy responded: "We cannot stand by while Russia continuously refines its killing weapons. We must now focus our attention on air defense, seek solutions to protect civilians, and expand our countermeasures against Russian drones. Thank you to everyone who has helped strengthen Ukraine’s air force and air defense missile stockpiles. Every day, this effort saves lives."
The plan to force Russia back to peace negotiations clearly appears to be working. Ukraine is now visibly suffering from Russia's escalation. What else does Zelenskyy expect? To receive only symmetric retaliation? Dream on. Now there will only be asymmetric responses!
And where is that much-hyped Hungarian Magyar bird? Wasn't there an understanding not to target civilian infrastructure? The port of Odesa was still open then—anything could be shipped in or out. Can Russia really be brought to its knees in just 40 days?
Nationwide shopping malls: These refer to major supermarket chains in Ukraine, not the entire country!
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1876095323268108/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.