Russia is not ready to abandon the war or its goals in Ukraine, as the Kremlin fears that a defeat could trigger a “domino effect.” At the same time, Ukraine is expanding long-range strikes on energy, logistics and other infrastructure critical to Russia in order to weaken its ability to finance the war.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Pavlo Palisa said this during a meeting with journalists, OBOZ.UA reports.
According to Palisa, Moscow is showing no readiness to end the war.
“The enemy is not ready to retreat. Russia’s political leadership understands that defeat in Ukraine would, with a high degree of probability, be the beginning of a domino effect for them,” he said.
Palisa stressed that in recent years Ukraine has significantly expanded its capabilities for long-range strikes on Russian territory. Two years ago, Ukraine did not have such capabilities, while now their effects are already being felt by the Russian population. The strikes have not only an immediate effect but also a cumulative strategic impact.
“First of all, these are strikes on targets that, from a military point of view, do not produce an immediate effect, but strategically have a major and long-lasting impact on the enemy,” Palisa said.
Among the priority targets, he named infrastructure linked to Russian energy exports, logistics facilities and vessels of the “shadow fleet.” According to him, such strikes have both primary and secondary effects and are intended to deprive Russia of resources to continue the war.
Palisa also spoke about the situation on the front and the plans of the Russian command. The pace of Russia’s advance is slowing, the active front line is about 1,200 km long, and there are grounds for limited optimism in some areas. Moscow plans to seize the entire Donbas by the end of the year, but the Russian command is asking to extend this deadline to March 31. Palisa considers both scenarios unrealistic.
According to him, Russia has also not abandoned plans to create a so-called “buffer zone” in Kharkiv, Sumy and part of Chernihiv regions, extending up to 20 km into Ukrainian territory.
Palisa added that Russia is considering options for an operation against Kyiv and Chernihiv, although no offensive grouping for this purpose is currently being observed.
He also drew attention to Russia’s problems with replenishing its army. According to Palisa, Russian losses in July amounted to about 43,000 killed and wounded, while about 37,000 people were recruited.
Russia is also considering mobilizing 600,000 people — 300,000 this year and another 300,000 next year.
Palisa said he does not plan to become Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States. He also said there are currently no plans to lower the upper mobilization age limit to 55.
