The Russian army intends to recapture territory in the Kharkiv region that the Ukrainian army de-occupied last year. However, it is currently unknown whether Russia will be able to conduct a summer counteroffensive.
This was stated by Christopher Cavoli, the Cavoli.
NATO General Comments on Russian Offensive
According to Cavoli, it is currently difficult to predict the adversary’s intentions regarding their offensive.
“The Russians are attacking south towards Kharkiv. It is evident that they intend to recapture some of the territory they lost last year during the remarkable Ukrainian offensive. The exact sequence and how they plan to do it is still not entirely clear,” said the NATO general.
When asked about the potential for a Russian summer offensive, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe said, “you can never be certain.” However, the Alliance’s military leadership does not see the formation of large troop reserves for this purpose.
“There is currently standard mobilization in Russia – a biannual conscription, but this is not related to the conflict,” Cavoli emphasized.
The Alliance’s Take on a Possible Russian Breakthrough at the Front
- Supreme Allied Commander Europe Christopher Cavoli stated that the Russian army has the capability to achieve local successes at the front. However, the general is confident that the Russians lack the skills and capabilities for a breakthrough at the front to gain a strategic advantage.
- Additionally, NATO Military Committee Chairman Rob Bauer is confident that a Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region will not force the Ukrainian authorities to negotiate. The admiral also added that the Russian offensive at the front in Ukraine is not a strategic success.
