Russia's attack in Kharkiv forces Ukraine to choose between holding territory or preserving troops
(Baonghean.vn) - Ukraine is trying to hold the front line in the North of Kharkov region, but this puts Kiev in a dilemma, when it needs to preserve soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, in the context of a shortage of manpower.
According to RT, German television channel N-TV reported on May 14 that Western military experts believe that Ukraine is facing a strategic dilemma as Russia launches a series of attacks in Kharkov. Therefore, Ukraine will have to choose between political and military goals.
The former Australian general and military analyst fears that Ukraine will have to withdraw its troops from the territories, or sacrifice soldiers of the Armed Forces to hold its positions.
"If Ukraine decides to keep control of this territory at all costs, they will lose even more soldiers, and their numbers will become increasingly limited. But if they decide to preserve their forces, they will have to give up the territory," N-TV quoted a former German soldier.
The serviceman also hopes that "Russian forces are not large enough to capture a city the size of Kharkiv." However, Russia is expected to intensify its shelling of Ukrainian Armed Forces positions in the city.
Pierre Razoux, scientific director of the Mediterranean Foundation for Strategic Studies, shares a similar view, believing that Ukraine will have to choose between defending the frontline or holding strategic points, especially major cities.
"Kiev cannot achieve two goals at the same time," said French analyst Razoux. Therefore, Mr. Razoux believes that the structure of the front gives Russia a logistical advantage thanks to the transport infrastructure on the border. "Russia is in the optimal position," Mr. Razoux commented./.
