The Russians suffer more losses in terms of people and equipment than the Ukrainians, says defense specialist Peter Wijninga of the Center for Strategic Studies in The Hague. And this, according to Wijninga, is precisely the strategy of the Ukrainians: “The Russians use up as much people and resources as possible to expose the weak points”. BNR has listed this week’s top international news for you.
The defense specialist argues that the West often focuses on military gains in terms of square kilometers captured or recaptured. Military analysts, on the other hand, focus on what is actually happening at the front, looking at casualties on both sides and the state of armies. Wijninga thinks what is currently happening is a tactic on the Ukrainian side. It’s going slower than initially thought, “but it’s going steadily,” according to the defense specialist.
Leopard tanks
But the Russian army not only loses, but also gains. For example, according to Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, the Russian army destroyed sixteen German Leopard tanks this week. In addition, according to the Russian military, they also disabled three helicopters and more than 900 other armored vehicles. Shoygu argues that Ukraine is not achieving its goals in any sector of the front line.
Meanwhile, the captain of the Ukrainian team, Volodimir Zelensky, is also making himself heard. He admitted in an interview with the American news channel CNN that he would have liked to start his counter-offensive earlier. But due to a late delivery of Western weapons, that was not possible, Zelensky says. “As a leader, I am grateful to the United States, but I have told them and European leaders that we need all the weapons and equipment for the counteroffensive.”
Nuclear power plant
Thus, while Zelenskyj has been planning and carrying out the counter-offensive for some time, Moscow is also preparing the necessary attacks. For example, the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant appears to be the new target of the Russians. And if so, that attack will most likely be carried out this week. According to the defense specialist, the wind is favorable for Russia. “Consequently, the country itself is not much affected by a nuclear cloud.”
An attack on the nuclear power plant would immediately have a major impact on the progress of the war. Minor gains are made on the side of Ukraine. For example, progress is being made in four posts at the front, says defense specialist Wijninga. “It’s obviously not as much as Kiev was hoping for, but it’s tough fighting.” The defense specialist sees that the Ukrainians have not yet deployed their main force and still have a large number of brigades as a trump card.
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.
