Ukrainian offensive risky, breakthrough unlikely, says ex‑Czech general
"It doesn't seem like a significant breakthrough is imminent," said General Jirzi Szedivy in an interview with "Lidové Noviny." He believes the Ukrainian offensive on Russian territory puts Kyiv at heightened risk and may not yield the expected benefits.
3:23 PM EDT, August 15, 2024
The Thursday edition of "Lidové Noviny" featured an interview with Gen. Jirzi Szedivy, the former Czech Chief of General Staff. The commander expressed his opinion that Ukraine's offensive actions on Russian territory put Kyiv on thin ice. He also emphasized the importance of Ukraine's ability to maintain controlled areas.
Jirzi Szedivy, a highly respected expert, stressed that the current situation is fraught with dangers, and Ukraine's territorial gains are not significant enough to disrupt the deployment of Russian troops or weaken attacks on Ukrainian territory. "Something else would have to happen. So far, it doesn't seem like a significant breakthrough is imminent," he said.
He assessed that while the current situation looks relatively good for Ukraine, a proper Russian counterattack is yet to come. Highlighting the Russian army's advantage in terms of soldiers and equipment, he mentioned the repositioning of Russian forces from the Kherson region.
The nuclear power plant in the Kursk region was not a target for Ukrainians
"Apparently, some lighter units are being withdrawn from Kherson, where they were held in reserve," added the former Chief of General Staff. In his opinion, the Ukrainian command will aim to engage Russian troops in other activities to relieve some of the burden on the Kharkiv front or areas in eastern Ukraine.
Regarding the goals of the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, Szedivy stated that the target of the attack could not have been the nuclear power plant. Due to its location deep inside Russia, it would be nearly impossible for the Ukrainians to maintain control there.
Ukrainians could not have believed they would make it there. In my opinion, it was not their goal to take control of the power plant. Even if they managed to get there through some rapid maneuver, they would not be able to hold it," he explained.
The general suggests that the target could have been the gas stations in Sudzha, aiming for subsequent control over this part of Russian territory and distracting Russian forces from key points in Ukraine.
Szedivy also emphasized that at this moment, it is difficult to assess how the current military situation will influence future peace talks or negotiations regarding territorial exchanges.
