Estonian intelligence chief warns of impending Russian offensive in Ukraine
The commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre, Colonel Ants Kiviselg, has spoken about Vladimir Putin's army's potential next moves. "Russia may be preparing for a major offensive in Ukraine at the beginning of summer," the military officer mentioned on Estonian television. Fierce fighting continues on the front, yet no significant breakthrough has been achieved.
The situation in Ukraine is extremely challenging. The Russians are relentlessly bombing nearly the whole territory of our eastern neighbours. Ground units are supplementing these efforts, constantly initiating attacks at the front.
The Commander of Estonian intelligence, Colonel Ants Kiviselg, has discussed the escalation of Russian aggression. In an interview with ERR television, the military officer highlights the increased movements of Russian troops.
With the situation in eastern Ukraine worsening, Russia has begun deploying larger armoured units, but so far without notable success. Russia may be gearing up to launch a new offensive in Ukraine with the arrival of summer, indicating a reorganisation of its armed forces and an intensification of bombings," said Col. Ants Kiviselg.
The military officer suggests that this could be part of a larger strategy. Vladimir Putin's forces are pulling back worn and used equipment from the battles.
The anticipated new large Russian offensive will still necessitate mobilisation, for which the Russian Federation has prepared, but it's not certain that this will happen in the upcoming weeks - assessed the Estonian colonel.
The head of Estonian intelligence has also commented on Ukraine's offensive actions. He observed that the armed forces of our eastern neighbour are not only defending but also attacking critical infrastructure deep inside Russia.
The actions of Ukraine are systematic and gradually aim to isolate Crimea - said the colonel.
The head of the Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre also responded to a journalist's query regarding Belarus's active involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Colonel Kiviselg opined that President Alexander Lukashenko is unlikely to risk entering a conventional war.
"This seems more like propaganda. We do not believe that the Belarusian armed forces are in a state of readiness or training to join the Russian assault on Ukraine," evaluates Colonel Kiviselg.
Kiviselg also stated that the Russian army is doing everything within its power to tip the balance of conflict in its favour. It launches fierce attacks, but despite this, no significant shifts have been witnessed on the front lines. Ukrainians are holding their defence and are in dire need of support from the West.
