Russia’s enduring ambition: Full control or neutrality for Ukraine
Russia is striving for the full occupation of Ukraine or its transformation into a neutral or pro-Russian country, reveals Vadym Skibitsky from Ukrainian military intelligence.
Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR), in an interview with the RBK-Ukraine portal, emphasised that Russia's strategic goals in the war with Ukraine remain unchanged. Russia aims for the full occupation of Ukraine and if that proves impossible, for complete control over the country to make it neutral or pro-Russian.
Cited by the Polish Press Agency, Skibitsky noted that Russian documents have already stipulated that Ukraine should be neutral or pro-Russian. "The grouping of their forces remains strong - this is over 620,000 Russian Federation Armed Forces soldiers deployed in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and in the Kursk region. The regrouping of forces and replenishment of Russia's combat losses continues," the deputy head of HUR informed, as reported by PAP.
HUR points out that Russia plans to increase drone production and is preparing massive attacks on Ukraine. Skibitsky informed that according to Russian commanders, if plans for the first half of the year are realised, they will be able to simultaneously launch around 500 unmanned aerial vehicles.
Russia aims to cause maximum damage
The Russians not only plan to increase the number of drones but also to expand the network of launch platforms for unmanned vehicles. The main objectives of the attacks remain unchanged: the command systems of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, aviation, airports, energy and gas infrastructure, and defence industry facilities.
Skibitsky emphasised that Russia is intensively attacking the gas extraction and transportation system, trying to deprive Ukraine of its resources. He also noted a change in strike tactics - the Russian army is planning attacks more precisely to cause maximum damage.