Valery Saluschnyj (49) suspects evil. The Ukrainian army chief is sure that the Russian soldiers want to attack Kiev again. He expects a new major Russian offensive next year. “The worst case scenario is the end of January,” he tells “The Economist”.
According to him, the Russian armed forces would train about 200,000 soldiers for this. He is sure that the Ukrainian capital will again become the main target. “I have no doubt that they will attack Kiev again,” Zalushny said.
Russia has millions in reserve
He cannot say where the great Russian offensive will begin. An attack is possible, starting in Donbass in eastern Ukraine, in the south, or from the former Soviet republic of Belarus in the north.
Meanwhile, General Valery Saluschnyj tries to make preparations. When asked what he thinks of the Russian mobilization of 300,000 reservists and former soldiers, he replies that it has been successful.
He makes it clear: “They may not be well equipped, but they are still a problem for us. We estimate that they have a reserve of 1.2 to 1.5 million people.” This would allow Russian forces to be pushed back to their pre-invasion positions on Feb. 24, Zalushny said.
However, he currently receives less money than he needs. Larger operations are therefore impossible, but a new one is being worked out. “She’s on her way,” the general assured.
Russia controls 18 percent of Ukraine
The Ukrainian units commanded by Zalushny have now reclaimed more than half of the territory captured since February from the Russians. But Russia still controls about 18 percent of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. (EU)