Russia is rapidly gaining more ground in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, while more than 6,000 residents are being evacuated from some thirty villages, so much so that Ukraine is acknowledging these “tactical successes” to its rival.
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In an interview on the program Quebec morningRetired Brigadier General Richard Giguere noted that these “small victories” “undermine the morale of Ukrainian forces.”
He points out that Ukraine faces two main challenges: supplying weapons and recruiting soldiers.
He added: “The Russians are the ones who have the momentum at the moment.” “This must be very worrying for Ukrainians.”
However, Mr. Giguere does not believe that Vladimir Putin's forces intend to attack Kharkiv in the near future, despite their proximity.
“I think even the Russians are a little surprised at how quickly they can move forward,” he says. Taking over a village with a population of 3,000 people is one thing, but taking over a city with a population of over a million people is another thing.
He added: “I think that the Russians at the moment do not have the forces necessary to seize a city like Kharkiv, which has a very good defense.” But in terms of public relations, they are the ones attacking.”
Watch the full interview in the video above
