Ukrainian Intelligence: Russia is moving to a tactical defensive posture

Ukrainian artillery fires at Russian positions in the Bakhmut region of eastern Ukraine (Photo: AP).

In an interview on April 20, Mr. Andrii Yusov, representative of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Agency, affirmed that the Russian army had to switch to a tactical defensive position to maintain the territories controlled by this force in Ukraine.

"The enemy may begin combat operations in the coming period. However, in general, the Russians are having to switch to a tactical defensive position. This is evidence of their failure to achieve success in the general offensive campaign last winter," said Mr. Yusov.

However, a representative of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Agency admitted that the risk of attacks, especially air strikes, by Russia in the near future is present.

"This does not mean that the enemy has been defeated or will not pose any threat to Ukraine. They still have a large number of troops and military equipment, not to mention a large reserve force that can be mobilized," Mr. Yusov added.

According to Mr. Yusov, the Russian army may still conduct some small-scale operations to gain more territory. Southern Ukraine may be the place Moscow wants to target in the near future.

By the end of 2022, military experts say Russia appears to be hoping that cold weather will be the condition that will help Moscow create a turning point in the war in Ukraine. Russian military commanders are said to believe that snow and ice will freeze the muddy, unsuitable roads for heavy equipment in Ukraine, making it easier for them to deploy weapons, while "raining fire" tactics aimed at the opponent's energy infrastructure could weaken Kiev's will.

In addition, the cold winter could leave Europe, one of Ukraine's main aid donors, facing an energy crisis after reducing purchases of Russian gas, a scenario that could affect Western efforts to support Kiev.

However, things did not go as Moscow expected as Ukraine remained strong after the cold winter.

On the other hand, the Ukrainian army is urgently preparing for a major counter-offensive to retake the separatist regions controlled by Russia. On May 20, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev. According to the Guardian , the purpose of Mr. Jens Stoltenberg's trip is to encourage the Ukrainian army in the upcoming counter-offensive.

NATO Secretary General appeared at St. Michael's Square in downtown Kiev on April 20 (Photo: Reuters).

Responding to Mr. Stoltenberg's trip, the Kremlin reaffirmed that Russia's strategic goal will be to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.

"Ukraine's accession to NATO would pose huge and serious threats to our country. Russia's security would be affected," the Kremlin spokesman said on April 20.

Previously, Russia warned that it would increase its military presence near NATO's borders after the military alliance admitted Finland.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/tinh-bao-ukraine-nga-dang-chuyen-sang-the-tran-phong-ngu-chien-thuat-20230420182722042.htm