Geopolitics
Analyst Claims Russian Strikes on Kiev Are Softening Up Operation Before Assault
Alexander Mercouris
Russia Conducts Massive Kiev Strike; Plans Ground Operation; Zelensky Demands More EU Money; Drones
"If you are the Russians and you are indeed intending at some point in the next few weeks, months or perhaps year to attack Kiev itself, to storm Kiev itself, then what you need to do is to soften its defenses. And well, to me at least, this operation, these attacks on Kiev, which as I said, I now anticipate are going to intensify, especially after the orchnik begins to be used do seem to me to be consistent with a Russian softening up operation ahead of a potential Russian operation to capture Kiev itself."
The speaker argues that intensifying Russian missile strikes on Kiev serve a military purpose beyond retaliation—they are systematically degrading the city's defenses and command infrastructure in preparation for a ground assault. He predicts these strikes will escalate further when Russia begins using its Oreshnik hypersonic missile system, and notes both Zelensky and General Syrsky have recently discussed threats to Kiev.
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Alexander Mercouris