If Russia does not succeed in its operations, the anxiety will increase there, Jānis Sārts, director of NATO’s Strategic Communication Center of Excellence, admitted on the Latvian Radio program Krustpunktā.
Sārts pointed out that the Ukrainian counteroffensive is still in its initial phase, and it is taking place on a wide front to attract the Russian forces’ reserves as much as possible.
Sārts also mentioned that he is confused by the chosen time to blow up the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant (HPP). Besides, the Russians suffered huge losses, losing both positions and equipment.
“Either it was a misunderstanding in internal communication or an accident,”
emphasized Sārts.
If Russia wanted to effectively hinder the Ukrainian counterattack, this was not the right time to do so, argued the head of the NATO center.
The expert believes that the overall mood temperature inside Russia has already raised. If Russian defensive operations fail, then nervousness will grow. The more successful Ukraine is in its attacks, the sooner the power struggle in Russia could happen.
Sārts didn’t deny that Russia is preparing for a counterattack against Ukraine
and that Russian propaganda is trying to sow doubts and hopelessness about Ukrainian moves.
It would make no sense if Russia decides to announce another mobilization because there would be some effect only in the autumn. In addition, those mobilized need equipment and arms, and “arms production capacity has not jumped up” despite Russian propaganda claims.
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