Rotyslav Khotin, a journalist for Radio Liberty, has outlined the grim situation in Kharkiv whilst also warning that Russia’s recent cabinet shakeup suggests that Vladimir Putin is preparing for a long war.
Asked about the situation unfolding in the Kharkiv region, Khotin described the situation as “serious”. However, whilst he admitted that the public was shocked, he emphasized that this was not the end of Ukrainian defense. “Russia has no ability to take Kharkiv,” he said, “but it can still cause a lot of harm.”
Continuing, he added: “According to intelligence sources, there’s a suspicion that Russian wanted to distract Ukrainian attention from Eastern Ukraine and to overstretch Ukrainian defenses.”
Questioned on the recent reshuffle that saw Sergei Shoigu replaced by Andrei Belousov as Minister of Defense, Khotin warned this was indicative of Putin’s intentionsdesire to place the Russian economy on a full war footing. “Putin is up for a long war,” he said. “The reshuffle shows us the war will not end soon.”
Continuing, he added: “According to intelligence sources, there’s a suspicion that Russian wanted to distract Ukrainian attention from Eastern Ukraine and to overstretch Ukrainian defenses.”
Questioned on the recent reshuffle that saw Sergei Shoigu replaced by Andrei Belousov as Minister of Defense, Khotin warned this was indicative of Putin’s intentionsdesire to place the Russian economy on a full war footing. “Putin is up for a long war,” he said. “The reshuffle shows us the war will not end soon.”
Source: TVP World
