These kind of attacks make a negotiated settlement impossible, which is probably their true aim. One of two outcomes are likely, possibly both: Russia will cease trying to force Zelensky to the bargaining table through its restrained policy of attritio and either destroy the rest of Ukraine, or launch nuclear strikes at British and/or American cities, possibly a all out first strike. We are in the most dangerous period in our history, and we’re bringing it on ourselves unless something resembling sanity penetrates the halls of power. I hope I’m wrong, very wrong.
Ukraine does not want a “negotiated settlement,” unless it makes all Russian troops leave Ukraine (LNR and DNR included) and Crimea.
Russia does not want a “negotiated settlement,” unless it includes all of occupied Ukraine.
There is no common ground.
If the Government of Ukraine were to agree to anything less, the people would go on fighting - after they hung Yermak and Zelinsky.