Putin raises stakes as Russian missiles cross into Moldova's airspace

Russia launched more than 70 cruise missiles at Ukrainian cities on 10 February. Two of those missiles crossed Moldova's airspace, flying in the immediate vicinity of Romania's border. Putin pursues the policy of provocations targeting Europe, apparently preparing for the next big war.

As the latest strike began overnight Friday, the Russians first launched Iranian-made kamikaze drones in the usual Russian tactic of aiming to spot Ukrainian air defenses. The drone raid didn't cause much damage but in the morning, Russia employed Kh-101 and Kh-555 cruise missiles, firing them off from warships and fighter jets. Of the 71 incoming missiles, 61 were downed but some critical infrastructure facilities were hit. The Russians usually target electrical substations. A particularly difficult situation with power supplies unfolded in Kharkiv, Odesa, and Khmelnytskyi regions. In particular, due to a lack of electricity, one of the Khmelnytskyi NPP's power units had to be switched off, which poses a threat to the station's stable operation. More than 10 million Ukrainians found themselves in a blackout. Ukraine's critical infrastructure was once again damaged, showing the genocidal nature of Russia's war against Ukraine.

For the first time since the start of massive missile attacks on Ukraine, two missiles crossed Moldova's airspace and actually flew along the border with Romania. The target coordinates and flight route of the Kh-101 and Kh-555 missiles are pre-programmed therefore the route over Moldova was definitely planned in advance. This is a deliberate provocation suggesting that the Kremlin may be hatching plans for invading Moldova, which will also be called a "special military operation."

Ukraine desperately needs a boost in supplies of air defence capabilities and other Western weapons. Putin is bracing for a protracted war, dreaming of ultimately winning it in Europe – this has become a fact that is all too obvious. If the Russian army isn't exhausted on the territory of Ukraine, it will move further into Europe. In 1933, no one could believe, as many can't today, that a fringe figure like Hitler could unleash such a bloody and overwhelming war. Aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a contribution to the peaceful future of Europe, which is currently in limbo. If the potential of Putin's army isn't destroyed, Russian missiles will soon fly towards Western Europe's capitals.