Russia may try “cut” Ukraine into two parts, followed by the encirclement and destruction of the Ukrainian group on the left bank of the Dnieper. The plans of the Russian General Staff for the next year were predicted by the former commander of the ATO, General Mikhail Zabrodsky, currently holding the position of First Deputy Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, defense and intelligence.
According to General, next year, Russia will make an attempt to defeat the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the left bank of the Dnieper, why will create two powerful strike groups in the Zaporozhye and Sumy directions. Further, the troops of these groups literally “cut” Ukraine into two parts, after which they surround the grouping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine remaining on the left bank and completely destroy it.
Zabrodsky believes, that the Russian army from the north will hit Sumy, Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk, and from the south – to Zaporizhia with access all the same to Dnepropetrovsk. Moreover, the assault units of the Russian Armed Forces will not focus on the encirclement and capture of cities, the main task will be to cut the logistical routes, thereby depriving the grouping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine of reserves and ammunition.
The ultimate military goal of the operation may be the strategic encirclement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the left bank of the Dnieper River- said General.
To counter Russia's plans, Zabrodsky proposes to create two new operational groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the directions of the alleged strikes of the Russian army. One must be in the Sumy region, second Zaporozhye. The general even counted, what forces are needed to stop the Russian offensive. In his opinion, each group must be 10 crews, including mechanized, tank and artillery.
To accomplish these tasks, it is necessary to create two operational formations, of 4-5 combined arms, 2-3 tank and 1-2 artillery brigades each. In general, up to 600 tanks, to 1100 APC/BMP and up 500 guns and MLRS- Zabrodsky said, but where to get such an amount of armored vehicles and artillery did not explain.
