Russian summer offensive may pose challenge for Defense Forces - National Guard

Photo: Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine Oleksandr Pivnenko (Facebook)

Russian army prepares unpleasant surprises for the Ukrainian Defense Forces in unexpected directions. It may achieve certain goals and be able to accomplish 10-15% of its objectives, said Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine Oleksandr Pivnenko.

According to him, a significant problem was the Russian offensive in February 2022, when the Armed Forces were not ready for the enemy to penetrate deep into the country.

“But we quickly reorganized in many directions. We conducted a serious operation in Kharkiv, and the Russian forces left Kyiv and Kherson region,” Pivnenko said.

He added that now the Russian army will not create such problems that the commanders of the Defense Forces will not know what to do.

“No, we are preparing. Yes, the enemy will create unpleasant surprises for us. They will act in directions we do not expect. But they will not achieve their goal,” noted the National Guard commander.

He emphasized that Russia will not be able to take either Zaporizhzhia or Kharkiv.

“Even if they try something in the direction of Kyiv, it’s just a show of force. Although I expect some difficulties. There will be pressure – they will try to advance where they can. We will move the front lines and units, and deploy reserves. We will use artillery with FPV drones. We will destroy by all means,” Pivnenko said.

He emphasized that Ukraine has enough reserves to realize that the enemy will not win this year. “I cannot say that everything will be bad for them. Perhaps they will have some achievements. Maybe they will accomplish 10-15% of their goals. But it will not be a strategic victory. And after that, they will think about what to do next. Because, figuratively speaking, they also don’t have enough ammunition for a second ‘shot,'” he emphasized.

Frontline situation

At the moment, the hottest frontline directions are Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove in the Donetsk region and Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russian forces plan to occupy Chasiv Yar by May 9. If they can be repelled, their plans for a full-scale counteroffensive in June will be disrupted.

The Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, noted that Ukraine will face a rather difficult situation from mid-May to early June. However, “Armageddon” will not happen.