Russian armed forces still hold the initiative on the battlefield in Ukraine, but their accomplishments are more tactical, because Russians are unable to break through Ukrainian front lines, said Maj. Jānis Slaidiņš of Latvian National Guard in an interview to Latvijas Radio.
The ongoing clashes still include Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, which often result in injuries and deaths of civilians. Odessa and Kharkiv have been the main targets of Russian strikes, especially the local energy infrastructure, said Slaidiņš.
He mentioned Ukraine’s relatively asymmetrical operations against Russia’s oil processing factories and anti-air defence systems as elements of counter-attacks. “The biggest emphasis is on Crimea, where it seems Ukrainian forces are trying to destroy anti-air defences of Russian forces,” said the Latvian expert, mentioning that this may be in preparation for Ukraine’s attacks on the Crimean Bridge.
When asked if Russia wants to bring a present of sorts to its residents on the 9th of May, Slaidiņš said it is very difficult to predict anything during a war, because 90% of predictions usually don’t come to pass. “Whether or not there are any significant accomplishments by the 9th of May will depend on Russian forces’ ability to attack and Ukrainian forces’ ability to defend,” said the expert.
He allowed Ukraine may have something planned to ruin Russia’s celebration of the 9th of May and ruin Vladimir Putin’s inauguration on the 7th of May.
Also read: US imposes hundreds of sanctions targeting Russia, focusing on Chinese companies
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Expert says Russia still holds initiative, but is unable to break through Ukrainian defences
