russia incapable of capturing Kyiv – top US general
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The russian army is concentrating its available troops in the east of Ukraine, and Kyiv is unlikely to become the target of its offensive, despite the existing threats from the air.
General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Army, expressed this opinion, "Ukrinform" reports.
"AS for Kyiv… There is always the potential for air threats and missile attacks. Kyiv is the capital and an important target in the war. I have never underestimated russia's ability to attack, but at the moment, we don't see any significant opportunities for russia to do so," Milli said.
According to him, the russian offensive is already taking place, mainly in the Bakhmut area. He mentioned that "the front line from Kharkiv to Kherson is quite stable despite the heavy fighting."
According to the general, the most significant dynamics are observed around the city of Bakhmut, where the Ukrainian Army is repelling enemy attacks, mainly conducted by the "Wagner" Private Military Company.
"This is a crucial battle of attrition with extremely high casualty rates, especially on the russian side," Milley said.
In his opinion, this battle could last for weeks. He believes that Ukrainians will defend themselves: "they have opportunities to do so."
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The Donetsk region remains the hottest destination. Fierce battles for the city of Bakhmut continue. The capture of Bakhmut is the main operational goal of the russian federation in this direction of the front because the city is the closest to the frontline. For russia, control of the city would open the way for a push northwest toward the larger cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. According to the Institute for the Study of War analysts, russian military personnel, particularly paratroopers, are likely to replace the depleted forces of the "Wagner Private Military Company" (PMC Wagner) in this region.
The "Wagner" Private Military Company is a russian paramilitary organization that recruits mercenaries, primarily prisoners, to fight in Ukraine.
It should be noted that on January 26, the US Treasury Department recognized russia's PMC Wagner as a transnational criminal organization and imposed new sanctions against it and its supporters.
