The Russians assume they can be attacked anywhere. So says defense specialist Peter Wijninga of the Center for Strategic Studies in The Hague. Wijninga deduces this from the positions of the Russian defenses which are hastily built along the entire front in anticipation of the Ukrainian counter-offensive.
When asked where Ukrainian forces will strike, Wijninga says there are many indications it will be in the south. Ukraine has made it clear that it wants Crimea back. He also indicated that they actually want to return to the coast of the Azov Sea. Mariupol could be on the list, Melitopol could be on the list.”
“From the Russian defenses you can see where the Ukrainians can expect”
After all, whoever has Melitopol controls the land bridge between Donbass and Crimea. If the Ukrainians take that city, they will isolate the Russians in the Crimea. “You can see from the Russian defenses where the Ukrainians might be expected. Even on the western coast of Crimea, huge defenses have been built in places where the beach is accessible. So the Russians actually assume they can be attacked anywhere.”
Wijninga also outlines the possibility of the Ukrainians crossing the Dnipro towards Zaporizhia or the offensive being launched from Kherson. “It is also possible that they are trying to pass somewhere near Donetsk, from Voledar. Or from the direction of Kharkov towards Luhansk. “There are countless possibilities.”
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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.
