Russia may try to create a buffer zone in northern Ukraine — Prokopenko
At the start of winter, Russia may use its mobilization reserve in an attempt to create a “buffer zone” in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions. At the same time, the enemy may continue its attacks on Kyiv.
This was stated by Denis Prokopenko, commander of the 1st Corps of the Ukrainian National Guard “Azov,” during the annual YES meeting.
According to him, the Russians may deploy part of the reserve formed before the start of winter. Its use, in Prokopenko’s opinion, would allow them to pin down Ukrainian forces and prevent the Armed Forces of Ukraine from redeploying reserves to the north.
“With the aim of creating a ‘buffer zone’ in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions and continuing the terror against our capital,” the commander explained.
Prokopenko also noted that September could mark the culmination of Russia’s summer offensive campaign. In his view, the Russian command needs to demonstrate at least some kind of result.
Starting in October, the military official predicts, the Russians may change their tactics due to worsening weather and shorter daylight hours. Instead of small infantry groups, the enemy will likely attempt to use heavy armored vehicles and carry out mechanized breakthroughs.
At the same time, Prokopenko emphasized that Russian forces already used such tactics last season, but they were unsuccessful. According to him, Ukrainian troops detected and destroyed enemy convoys even as they were advancing.
Source: Denys Prokopenko
As a reminder, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated: Russia, as an aggressor state, will face a response if it launches strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this winter.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on the results of Ukrainian long-range strikes aimed at weakening Russia’s capacity to wage war against Ukraine. In particular, Ukrainian strikes hit targets in Dagestan and Udmurtia.
