This is a deliberate attempt to break Ukraine and the west's will to resist. And it will continue because Putin believes they can get away with it. JL
The Wall Street Journal comments:
Russia’s strategy isn’t merely to defeat Ukraine’s military, which it has been unable to do. Russia’s goal is to break Ukraine’s will to resist, and attacking civilians is part of that strategy. "The mall at Kremenchuk had “no strategic value” and posed “no danger to the Russian army.” The Russians know how to avoid hitting shopping centers. Russia has signed the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks that target civilian facilities. Mr. Putin doesn’t care, and he thinks he’ll get away with it if he can force it to submit to his peace terms. There will be more of this in more countries if Russia prevails in Ukraine.