Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Expert on Ukraine's offensive: Can become a new front

The surprising attacks by Ukraine deep into Russian territory can be a turning point in the war, according to military expert Joakim Paasikivi. It's a completely new dynamic. This could very well be a new front, he says to TT.

» Updated: 09 August 2024, 16:32

» Published: 09 August 2024

Expert on Ukraine's offensive: Can become a new front
Photo: Anna Tärnhuvud/SVD/TT

Finally, Ukraine has confirmed the attacks on Russian territory, which began on Tuesday, albeit in general terms. The delay had its reasons, according to Paasikivi.

It's about operational security and not wanting Russia to know what Ukraine's main focus and goals are, he says.

The advantages of the offensive are several for Ukraine, Paasikivi believes.

Instead of throwing in more troops into the meat grinder, primarily in Donbass, you achieve a range of different effects. (Russia's President) Putin, for example, is forced to come out and comment, and has shown himself to be remarkably smooth.

Ukraine is also showing the world that the country has the capability to carry out this type of larger operation on its own.

The USA has not been involved in the planning, at least it seems that way at present. The USA is, on the contrary, just as surprised as we are, says Paasikivi.

"New movement"

The attacks are reminiscent of the offensive Ukraine carried out to liberate the Kharkiv region in September and October 2022, according to Joakim Paasikivi, former lieutenant colonel.

What they have managed to achieve is surprise and a new movement in the war by advancing and taking fairly large areas. And they are also cutting off important Russian supply lines and railways.

The latter makes it more difficult for the Russian offensive in Kharkiv.

It remains to be seen how Russia can respond to the Ukrainian attacks by redeploying its resources and repositioning its forces.

It's very early yet. But this initially shows that Ukraine has a surprisingly good capability to carry out this type of operation. I and most other analysts probably thought it would continue to be about a static war of attrition.

No aces up the sleeve

It's highly likely that the recent events mean that a new front is created in the war.

Exactly like Ukraine liberated the Kharkiv region at the end of 2022. For Russia, there are no aces up the sleeve, other than nuclear weapons. Which is still unlikely that Russia will use.

Despite Russia having good reconnaissance capabilities in the form of drones and wiretapping – electronic warfare – its own capabilities have been overestimated, Paasikivi believes.

Perhaps one can also discern a Russian slowdown in Donbass where they previously had successes, he adds.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Zelensky: Concessions are suicide
1 MIN READ

Zelensky: Concessions are suicide

The Mastermind Behind 9/11 Gets a Deal with the USA
1 MIN READ

The Mastermind Behind 9/11 Gets a Deal with the USA

UN Soldiers Injured in Attack in Lebanon
1 MIN READ

UN Soldiers Injured in Attack in Lebanon

Trump's Peace Plan for Ukraine: No NATO for 20 Years
2 MIN READ

Trump's Peace Plan for Ukraine: No NATO for 20 Years

Biden addresses the nation after the election
1 MIN READ

Biden addresses the nation after the election

Canada in dispute with Tiktok - "national security"
1 MIN READ

Canada in dispute with Tiktok - "national security"

The EU Top on Trump: There is Something to Build On
2 MIN READ

The EU Top on Trump: There is Something to Build On

Harris Turned His Back: "Didn't Stop the Genocide"
2 MIN READ

Harris Turned His Back: "Didn't Stop the Genocide"

Israel buys new fighter jets from Boeing
1 MIN READ

Israel buys new fighter jets from Boeing

Multiple deaths in Israeli attack in Lebanon
2 MIN READ

Multiple deaths in Israeli attack in Lebanon

Demands No Confidence: "Scholz's Coalition is History"
2 MIN READ

Demands No Confidence: "Scholz's Coalition is History"

Iran: Trump's Victory Chance of Reconsideration
1 MIN READ

Iran: Trump's Victory Chance of Reconsideration

The demand to Georgia: Investigate election fraud
1 MIN READ

The demand to Georgia: Investigate election fraud

Democrats Fume: Biden's Arrogance Was Our Downfall
2 MIN READ

Democrats Fume: Biden's Arrogance Was Our Downfall

Two states are still counting their votes
1 MIN READ

Two states are still counting their votes

The Charges Against Trump – What Happens Now
3 MIN READ

The Charges Against Trump – What Happens Now

Struggle for Power in Congress
3 MIN READ

Struggle for Power in Congress

Xi wants a stable relationship with the USA in the "new era"
1 MIN READ

Xi wants a stable relationship with the USA in the "new era"

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv
1 MIN READ

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv

Australia: 16-year limit for Tiktok
2 MIN READ

Australia: 16-year limit for Tiktok