Russia is unlikely to be able to open a northeastern front to attack Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kyiv. Currently, Russia does not have sufficient troops for such an offensive. However, Russia may intensify its offensive in Donetsk region towards Kramatorsk and Pokrovsk. This opinion was voiced by military expert Oleg Zhdanov in a commentary to UNN.
Russia is hardly capable of opening the northeastern front today. Today, both Budanov and the President have said that Kharkiv is the most secure of our defensive borders. Most importantly, as a military officer, my first question is: what should we attack with? Where are the troops? Where is this grouping of troops that today is capable of invading our country from the Belgorod region and launching an offensive on Kharkiv, or from the Bryansk region to Sumy, Chernihiv, and Kyiv. Kyiv is almost 200 kilometers away, which is an operational depth
He noted that in the first months of the war, Russia had problems with logistics and troop readiness.
"We remember the first months of the war. What was the problem with the Russians? The fact that they were not ready to organize combat operations at such a great depth. They had logistical problems. As a result, we calmly began to smash these convoys on our territory gradually, as we had the forces and means. I do not think that today the Russians, who, unfortunately, are learning, will repeat such mistakes and open a second front and fight on two fronts," Zhdanov added.
According to him, the Russian offensive is possible in two directions in Donetsk region.
"I see two directions: the Kramatorsk direction through Chasiv Yar, Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, and the second - Pokrovsk. I agree with these two directions. In my opinion, the Kramatorsk direction will be the main one. Russians are likely to choose Kramatorsk as the main direction. Pokrovsk is just a breakthrough into the depths of our defense and access to the borders of Donetsk region. This is one of the political goals of this war, which can be achieved by reaching the borders of Luhansk and Donetsk regions. But there are also Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, which they have also included in their constitution. Kramatorsk and Sloviansk are the last large residential agglomerations in Donbas that are not under the control of Russia," the expert summarized.
Recall
The Economist, citing military sources in Kyiv , reportedthat Russia is seeking to turn Kharkiv into a "gray zone" uninhabitable for civilians through intense bombardment, while Ukraine is vowing to defend the city and is seeking Western air defense systems to counter the threat.