Russia is evacuating Ukrainian citizens from the vicinity of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant ahead of the planned Ukrainian counter-offensive. The head of the United Nations nuclear observatory, Rafael Grossi, warns of a possible nuclear disaster if fighting breaks out around the centre. Former army commander Mart de Kruif also sees the situation as worrying.
In particular, the fact that many experts believe that the Ukrainian counterattack will take place in the Zaporizhia region is of concern to the former commander. «And this means that the nuclear power plant is now in Russian hands, it could end up in Ukrainian hands. This means that there could be fighting in or around the nuclear power plant. That’s what people are worried about.’
“A link to May 9 is unlikely”
May 9th
However, the former commander also points out that it is not clear where he will attack Ukraine, which is carefully hidden. And the same goes for the time: on May 9, Russia holds the traditional parade in Moscow to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany, some analysts underline the symbolic value of an offensive precisely on this date. However, De Kruif attaches little importance to this. For Ukraine it is essential that the offensive is successful, surprise is fundamental, “therefore a link with May 9 is unlikely”.
interdiction
Meanwhile, Russia has resumed nightly rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities, according to De Kruif in both Moscow and Kiev ban. This means “you try to seal off the battlefield from the outside world by engaging targets deep in the area.” So the Russians are trying to counter the Ukrainian offensive by deeply attacking road junctions, command posts, logistical supplies”. A shift in focus away from energy infrastructure. Ukraine is also attacking Russian targets in depth, according to De Kruif a sign that something is afoot.
Support base
Worrying news for Kiev meanwhile in the New York Times. That newspaper reports that Ukraine is in a hurry with a counteroffensive because support in the West is crumbling, while Putin has all the time in the world. “But this is crucial to this war. It is actually a test for the West whether we can and will support this war or not.’
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
