Ukraine: "Russia No Longer Capable of Major Offensives, Focuses on Defense"

Russian Defensive Positions Fortified... Recovery Difficult
Concerns Over Prolonged War Continuation

Ukrainian intelligence authorities have assessed that the Russian military no longer has the capability to launch large-scale offensives and are currently focusing mainly on defense. However, they pointed out that the Russian forces still possess a massive amount of missiles, and since the defensive lines in the occupied territories are solid, the Ukrainian military's recovery operations will not be easy. Concerns are also rising that the prolonged standoff between the two armies could lead to a longer war.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to CNN on the 15th (local time), Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense intelligence, appeared on a Ukrainian TV channel and stated, "Russia is currently on the defensive across the entire front line. They lack the resources to resume large-scale offensives and are unable to launch attacks." He also assessed that the intensity of Russia's missile strikes has weakened.

Yusov added, "Russia is also experiencing shortages of some missiles like the Kalibr," and pointed out, "Russia is trying to compensate for missile shortages by seeking alternative weapons worldwide, including Iranian-made attack drones Shahed, but these efforts have not yet yielded results."

However, he noted that since the Russian military is focusing on defense, the Ukrainian military's territorial recovery will not be easy. He said, "Russia has been preparing for defense, and the Ukrainian military command must keep this in mind while preparing for territorial recovery," adding, "Russia still holds a large stockpile of S-300 missiles, which possess considerable destructive power."

The S-300 missile is a Russian anti-air defense missile, and the Russian military has installed S-300 missile bases along the Ukrainian front, making it difficult for the Ukrainian Air Force to strike Russian-occupied areas. It is also known that as Russian missile and shell stocks dwindle, the S-300 missiles are even being used for airstrikes.

As the two armies continue to confront each other over Russian-occupied territories, there are concerns that the war will become even more prolonged. Yusov warned, "Russia is increasing provocations by mobilizing rebel forces near Ukraine's northern border," and cautioned that the Russian military could continue sustained guerrilla warfare.

Separately, Yusov revealed that Ukrainian authorities are aware of health issues concerning Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, an ally currently supporting the Russian military. He stated, "For various reasons, I cannot provide detailed information."

Meanwhile, President Lukashenko has not appeared in public since his recent visit to Moscow, Russia, and was absent from the national holiday event held in the capital Minsk on the 14th. If any changes occur in the status of the pro-Russian authoritarian Lukashenko, there is a possibility that it could lead to political instability in Belarus.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.