"Through its actions, the Kiev regime has de facto placed itself in the ranks of international terrorist organizations, with the most despicable groups."
Says Vladimir Putin.
The man on whose orders Russian troops attack Ukraine, destroying infrastructure with rockets and killing civilians.
Putin's statement comes from his reaction to the damage to the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia to the illegally occupied Crimean Peninsula.
Kyiv has so far left open a possible involvement in the attack, but for Russia's ruler it is a doubly unpleasant blow, because in addition to personal disgrace for Putin, the attack also affects the situation of the Russian military.
"It is unclear how much heavy equipment can actually still be transported across the bridge," explains Thore Schröder, SPIEGEL reporter for crisis areas, in the podcast.
»The Crimea plays a major role as a deployment site for troops from Russia and for military technology.
This is because the alternative land bridge in southern Ukraine, i.e. north of Mariupol, is partially within range of Ukrainian artillery and missiles.«
Putin's response to the attack: retaliated with massive rocket attacks on cities across Ukraine, killing 19 and injuring more than 100 people - although more than half of the destructive missiles were shot down.
Many missiles also targeted facilities that provide electricity and heating to the Ukrainian population.
Against the background of the Russian partial mobilization, the Russian retaliatory strikes have changed the situation in the war over Ukraine.
»I came here after the great reconquest in the Kharkiv region.
And yes, some people could hardly walk because of the euphoria;
In principle, the Russians had almost been expelled,” says Thore Schröder.
“Then came this mobilization announcement from Putin.
That too was accepted with a shrug.
Now the missile strikes and that has already led to a change in mood here.«
How much has the situation between Russian aggressors and Ukrainian defenders worsened?
What role does the UN resolution against Russia passed this week play?
And how well is Ukraine prepared for the winter?
Thore Schröder talks about this in this episode of the SPIEGEL foreign podcast »Eight Billion«.
Listen to the current episode here:
