Is Russia’s attack on Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv possible – Intelligence response
At present, Russia does not have the forces to launch a powerful offensive on the western strategic direction.
This was stated in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine by Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.
– “When we talk about conducting a strategic operation, it is clear that Russia cannot conduct it on two fronts at the moment. What categories do we operate in? First, before the war began, strategic directions for Russian troops were identified, which, in principle, remain, and the definition of a strategic operation was defined,” Skibitsky said.
He explained that a strategic operation is one that is carried out on a separate strategic direction.
Strategic directions for Russia in Ukraine
There were two strategic directions in the direction of Ukraine in the Russian Federation:
- Southwestern strategic direction (cities where active hostilities are currently taking place) – the area of responsibility of the Southern Military District;
- the western strategic direction (Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Kyiv region) – the responsibility of the western military district.
– Today, Russia continues its strategic operation on only one direction. It has neither the troops, nor the forces, nor the means to conduct a powerful offensive on the western strategic direction. The Russian Federation does not have a strategic reserve at the moment, and they are trying to create one. Everything that was created was immediately brought to our territory. The 18th Army, the 25th Army, the 3rd Army Corps – they are all fighting, there is no reserve,” explained Skibitskyi.
Photo: Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform