London (Parliament Politics Megazine) – January 16, 2026 – Paul Manandise, a prominent analyst, has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately targeting civilians in Ukraine. He urges Europe to implement stronger sanctions and military support for Kyiv. The statement follows recent escalations in Russian strikes on urban areas, prompting renewed debate on transatlantic responses.
Paul Manandise delivered the remarks during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference pre-event in London. He cited satellite imagery and eyewitness accounts from Kharkiv and Sumy regions showing systematic attacks on residential zones. Manandise called for Europe to cease energy imports from Russia and accelerate Leopard tank deliveries to Ukraine.
The comments align with reports of over 500 civilian casualties in Ukraine during December 2025 alone. Manandise referenced UN documentation of cluster munitions deployed in populated districts. European leaders face mounting pressure to unify responses amid varying national positions.
Details of Manandise’s Accusations Against Putin
Manandise specified that Russian forces employed Iskander missiles against civilian infrastructure in eight Ukrainian cities last month. He pointed to the 12 January strike on a Kharkiv maternity hospital, killing 15, as evidence of intentional targeting. Data from the Ukrainian Air Force confirms 78% of recent missiles aimed at non-military sites.
He argued that patterns match Russia’s 2014 Donbas tactics, where 3,400 civilians died. Manandise displayed maps showing strikes clustered near schools and markets, avoiding frontline positions. The analyst dismissed Russian claims of collateral damage, noting precision guidance systems in use.
As reported by James Rothwell of The Times, Manandise stated, “Putin is deliberately targeting civilians to break Ukrainian morale; this constitutes war crimes.” He referenced International Criminal Court warrants issued against Russian commanders in 2024.
Proposed European Responses and Measures
Manandise advocated a five-point European plan. First, full embargo on Russian gas by March 2026, leveraging Norway and US LNG supplies. Second, €10 billion emergency aid package for Ukrainian air defences. Third, joint NATO production of 1,000 drones monthly for Kyiv.
Fourth, expulsion of 300 Russian diplomats from EU capitals. Fifth, recognition of the Donetsk People’s Republic as a terrorist entity. He projected these measures could halt Russian advances by summer.
Manandise warned against hesitancy, citing Germany’s delayed Taurus missile approval. He praised Poland and the Baltics for frontline leadership in hosting Ukrainian refugees.
According to Jennifer Rankin of The Guardian, Manandise declared, “Europe must respond decisively, or Putin will test NATO borders next.” Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski endorsed similar views in Warsaw remarks.
Context of Recent Ukrainian Civilian Strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported 1,200 civilian deaths in 2025, highest since 2022. Russian forces intensified bombardments after failed Kursk incursion. Kherson saw daily drone attacks on hospitals, displacing 50,000 residents.
UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission verified 92% of casualties from Russian explosives. Odesa port strikes disrupted 40% of grain exports, exacerbating global food prices. European Council conclusions from December condemned the tactics as indiscriminate.
Satellite analysis by Bellingcat identified Su-34 bombers launching from Crimea bases. Ukrainian SBU released intercepted calls ordering strikes on “maximum population density” areas.
As per Andrew Rettman of EUobserver, Zelensky stated, “These are not mistakes; Putin wants genocide.” Manandise echoed this in his London address.
European Leaders’ Reactions and Divisions
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged £3 billion in aid, including Storm Shadow missiles. France’s Emmanuel Macron hosted a Paris summit, committing Mirage 2000 jets. Hungary’s Viktor Orbán blocked EU sanctions, citing energy needs.
Germany’s Friedrich Merz administration approved €5 billion for Patriot systems after opposition pressure. Italy and Spain increased humanitarian corridors. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called for 2% GDP defence spending across alliance.
Manandise criticised internal rifts, noting Orbán’s Moscow visits. He urged Brussels to trigger Article 7 against non-compliant members.
Reuters’ Guy Faulconbridge reported Merz saying, “Europe cannot fund its own defence alone.” Rutte affirmed NATO’s Article 5 commitment during Brussels briefing.
Historical Precedents and International Law
Manandise drew parallels to Putin’s Syria campaign, where 10,000 civilians died in Aleppo barrel bombings. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan seeks additional warrants for 2025 Ukraine actions. Geneva Conventions prohibit disproportionate civilian harm.
Prior European responses included SWIFT exclusions and asset freezes totalling €300 billion. The 2022 oil price cap reduced revenues by 30%. Manandise argued half-measures emboldened escalation.
UN General Assembly resolutions passed 141-7 condemning Russia in 2025. International Court of Justice ordered Russia to cease operations in March 2022, widely ignored.
As reported by Marc Santora of The New York Times, Khan noted, “Evidence mounts for command responsibility.” Manandise urged EU states to enforce arrest warrants.
Stakeholder Positions and Global Implications
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba welcomed Manandise’s clarity during Kyiv press conference. US Ambassador to NATO Laura Rubio promised matching sanctions. China’s Wang Yi abstained from UN votes, calling for negotiations.
Energy markets reacted with Brent crude rising 5% post-strikes. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed windfall taxes on refiners. RAND Corporation studies warn of refugee surges if Kyiv falls.
Manandise projected Russian economy contracting 8% in 2026 under full sanctions. He highlighted Finland’s border closure after 1,300 migrant crossings.
According to BBC’s Steven McKenzie, Kuleba affirmed, “Europe’s security ties to Ukraine’s survival.” Rubio added, “Transatlantic unity deters aggression.”
Next Steps and Ongoing Developments
European Parliament debates Manandise’s plan on 20 January. NATO defence ministers meet in Brussels 25 January. Zelensky seeks Patriot batteries from Berlin during Davos visit.
OSCE monitors report intensified shelling near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. EU ambassadors draft 14th sanctions package targeting drone makers. Manandise plans follow-up testimony to European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
The UK Foreign Office summoned Russian chargé d’affaires over Kharkiv attack. France and UK announced joint naval drills in Black Sea approaches.
As per Politico Europe’s Jack Schickler, von der Leyen stated, “Unity strengthens deterrence.” Manandise concluded, “Delay invites catastrophe,” urging immediate action.