(Dan Tri) – A retired NATO general warns that Russia is forcing Ukraine to choose between losing people and losing territory.
Ukrainian soldiers near Kiev (Photo: Reuters).
In an interview with French newspaper La Depeche on March 27, former French NATO general Jerome Pellistrandi pointed out that Russian forces have made a lot of progress since Ukraine withdrew its troops from the eastern stronghold of Avdiivka in mid-month.
`In reality, Moscow has presented a tactical dilemma for the Ukrainian command, forcing Kiev to choose between defending its territory at the risk of significant losses, or withdrawing and
According to the general, in addition to advances west of Avdiivka, Russian troops have recently taken control of the town of Krasnoe (Ukrainian called Ivanivske),and western Artyomovsk (or Bakhmut).
`This reflects Russia’s desire to exhaust the enemy. Moscow knows very well that Kiev lacks artillery ammunition and by relentlessly shelling these territories, Russian forces ultimately prevent Ukraine from rebuilding
Recent comments by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu seem to align with General Pellistrandi’s analysis.
He also estimated Ukrainian casualties since the beginning of the year at 71,000 people and 11,000 pieces of equipment.
According to General Pellistrandi, the Russian army is targeting both Chasov Yar and Kramatorsk, an important crossroads for Ukraine’s logistics activities in Donbass.
Mr. Pellistrandi said, Kharkov also came under heavy shelling last week.
Russia is taking the initiative on the battlefield in the context of Western aid to Ukraine stagnating.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted on March 28 that Ukraine cannot win the conflict with Russia without US support.
When asked if Ukraine would have lost the war without America’s help, he said: `Of course, we will lose, we will lose some more territory. For us, that is a big challenge.`
He said Ukraine needs more American air defense systems because currently all of Ukraine’s air defense systems come from Europe.