Kremlin possesses a strategy, and it extends beyond the events on the front lines.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy. / © Associated Press
One must not underestimate the capabilities of the Russian Federation. This year, the Kremlin has several primary objectives. Some of these extend beyond the battlefield engagements.
This was stated by retired Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan during an appearance on “Espreso.”
According to him, the Russian Federation’s leader, Volodymyr Putin, will concentrate considerable efforts on persuading U.S. President Donald Trump to remain supportive and to exert pressure on Ukraine. Moscow aims for Kyiv to enter into a peace agreement that is disadvantageous for Ukraine.
“The most crucial objective is to convince the Trump administration to apply pressure on Ukraine to conclude a peace accord that benefits Russia. This is his priority. He attempts to achieve this by demonstrating the supposed invincibility of Russian forces on the battlefield. However, he has not succeeded in this thus far, just as he hasn’t over the past four years,” expressed Mick Ryan.
He emphasized that the commencement of the spring offensive proved to be unsuccessful for the Russian army. They lost more ground than they advanced. In turn, the Armed Forces of Ukraine exhibit greater effectiveness in ground operations.
Concurrently, the general highlights that Russia also has operational objectives that remain unchanged. Moscow is focused on solidifying its control over Donbas. This has been their primary direction for several years.
“I do not see any indications of a deviation from this priority. However, this does not preclude auxiliary actions in the Kharkiv, Dnipro, or Zaporizhzhia regions. Nevertheless, the attempt to capture Odesa, in my opinion, significantly exceeds the current capabilities of the Russian armed forces, given Ukraine’s extensive efforts to establish deeply echeloned defenses in the south and east,” noted the general.
As a reminder, ISW analysts emphasize that on the front lines, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are thwarting the Kremlin’s plans for the spring-summer 2026 offensive campaign. The Ukrainian army continues to create leverage against the aggressor, Russia, by executing tactical, operational, and strategic strikes within the combat zone.
Source: tsn.ua