Russian Strikes on Kyiv 'Pure Terror, Pure War Crimes,' Says Former Ambassador

Summary

John Herbst, former US ambassador to Ukraine, discusses Russia's latest strikes on Kyiv, the CIA director's Moscow trip, and the status of Russia-Ukraine negotiations. He says Ukraine is targeting Russian strategic and hydrocarbon infrastructure while Russia is mainly terrorizing civilians, and that sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil are hurting Russia's economy without changing Putin's aims. He also argues for expanded Patriot interceptor production and flags elevated risk of Russian action against NATO or Baltic states.

• CIA director's Moscow visit reflects US concern that Putin may consider kinetic strikes on Baltic or NATO states.
• Herbst says Ukraine is targeting Russian hydrocarbon facilities, munitions plants, and transport routes, weakening Russia's war effort.
• Russia's strikes on Kyiv are described as terror and war crimes with no new military tactics.
• Sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil have taken 1-2% off Russia's economy but have not changed Putin's aims.
• Herbst favors licensing Ukraine to build Patriot interceptors to meet US, NATO, and Gulf defense demand.
• Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil and gas production create a supply-disruption watch item for energy markets.