Russia's relentless energy strikes: Expert foresees no ceasefire
Oleg Zhdanov, a Ukrainian military expert and retired colonel, described the current situation on the front line. Additionally, he presented a thesis on why Russia will not cease targeting the Ukrainian energy sector.
During an interview with Onet, Oleg Zhdanov was asked about his view on the "story of a ceasefire."
The Russians will always continue strikes on Ukraine, but publicly they will claim these were military targets, not infrastructure. Putin will not relinquish his favourite tactic. He has always dreamed of causing a blackout in Ukraine. He would also like to destroy water supplies for the population and create a serious epidemiological risk. It is a strong tool of influence. Putin will not abandon this desire - said the retired colonel.
At the same time, he assessed that "any agreements with Russia are highly questionable." The expert claims that the US President will soon have to make a decision. He pointed out two scenarios. One involves complete submission to Putin, and the other is to apply pressure "on Russia, not on Ukraine."
Expert on the frontline situation
Onet also asked Zhdanov about the situation on the front.
The Russian army has significantly slowed its pace of advancement. In fact, today there are only two areas where the enemy still exerts pressure on our defence. Although the enemy's progress is not significant and is measured in metres. These are in the directions of Kupiansk and Novopavlivka. In all other places along the front line, the Russian forces have been halted - he stated.
He then mentioned that for over a week, there have been no visible enemy advances, although in some areas, the number of attacks reaches 40 per day.
According to Zhdanov, it can be stated that Russia lacks reserves. At the same time, he assessed that - from a military point of view - it would be disastrous for Ukraine to stop fighting for 30 days, because in a month a new offensive could begin. The expert ventured a prediction that without losses, Russia would be able to increase its reserves by 30–35 thousand.
