Fatal Bombing Plays to Russia's Favor

A midday explosion during a pro-Ukrainian march in the eastern city of Kharkiv on Feb. 22 led to the deaths of three civilians. This is the 15th bombing in the Kharkiv region since June 2014, but this attack indicates a possible evolution in the capability and intent of the pro-Russian elements conducting terrorist attacks in Kharkiv, as well as in cities such as Odessa and Mariupol. Pro-Russian groups are resorting to terrorist tactics as a means to undermine the government in Kiev because of their own limitations and inability to inspire mass separatist movements outside of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.