“Zelensky is not ready for a big offensive, according to the Czech president”
“There is a lot of speculation about Ukraine’s spring offensive,” confirms Europe reporter Geert Jan Hahn. “Czech President Petr Pavel believes Ukraine should take it easy because he was able to deduce from an earlier conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky that the country is not yet ready for a major offensive,” says Hahn. Pavel bases it on the fact that Zelensky asked nine countries for a mechanized brigade.
Public support
At the same time, the West is breathing down Zelensky’s neck. A major offensive is expected, especially now that the West has provided much equipment and trained soldiers. “The longer you wait, the stronger the Russians become because they have more time to defend themselves,” Hammelburg says. ‘There is fear in the West that public support will eventually disappear if it takes too long. It is possible for citizens and politicians to say it costs a lot of money and nothing happens.’
According to the foreign commentator, this could lead to a consensus that it is better to focus on possible negotiations instead of supporting Ukraine with military aid. Russia, meanwhile, is taking all the time. The Russians are silently reinforcing the line and the trenches and mobilizing the men.’
Air offensive
The comment that needs to be made here is that a ground offensive is always being thought of, while this is not a given, says Hammelburg. It’s also possible that what the Russians are currently doing in the air is already seen as offensive. The question is what is the definition and so is the definition of winning. At the moment we don’t know.’
The drone struck Kiev again last night
It has been restless in the air over Ukraine all week, Hahn sees. Yesterday evening there were again drone strikes on Kiev. Most of these were shot down, but 23 rockets were also fired from the Caspian Sea. They have a good reach,’ says the reporter for Europe.