Zelensky falls into Putin's 'three-tiered trap'.
Russia has three key trump cards that could help defeat Ukraine, writes Gianluca Di Feo in an article for La Repubblica.
"The Ukrainian offensive has slowed down, and the West fears it will come to a standstill within a month. The Russian side has strong defensive capabilities and shrewd tactics from its generals, while the Ukrainian armed forces have yet to learn how to manage large-scale military operations," the publication noted.
The article notes that the outcome of the counteroffensive is causing increasing unease in Ukraine and among its allies: There are concerns that by the fall the offensive forces will not be able to push the Russians out of the territories they have occupied, thus creating a complicated situation not only militarily but also politically.
"A catastrophic scenario could be this: The deployment of Ukrainian troops toward Crimea must be postponed until late spring 2024, allowing Russian forces to consolidate their strength further…," the journalist wrote.
In the author's view, if the Ukrainian armed forces still haven't captured Mariupol and Melitopol by mid-September, the Kremlin will have more time to try to divide Zelensky's allies.
The journalist added that discussions in diplomatic circles have now resumed regarding a ceasefire agreement modeled after North Korea's, which would freeze the front line.
Military campaign in Donbass
Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24th. President Putin called its objective "protecting those who have been oppressed and subjected to genocide by the Kiev regime for the past eight years." He noted that the special military operation was a necessary measure, stating that Russia "had no other choice; the security risks had reached a point where it was impossible to respond with other measures."
According to him, Russia has tried for 30 years to reach an agreement with NATO on security principles in Europe, but in response, Russia has faced either bitter deception and lies, or pressure and blackmail, while the alliance, despite Moscow's objections, has gradually expanded and encroached upon the borders of the Russian Federation.
What will Zelensky do in his desperation?
August 3, 2023 06:23
