According to Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (DIU), currently the armed aggression of the criminal army of Russia and the actions of the Kremlin are not aimed at seizing Ukrainian territories, but at undermining the support of Kyiv by Western partners.
What is known about the Kremlin's new strategic goals in the war against Ukraine
Yusov stated that the key efforts of the Kremlin occupiers are currently aimed more at undermining the support of Ukraine from Western partners than at seizing new territories.
This opinion is also supported by analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
In a report dated 12 December, ISW wrote that Russia's offensive operations in eastern Ukraine in the autumn of 2023 and through the following winter are aimed at weakening Western support for Ukraine, not at making progress in seizing territory.
Thus, one of the important points in general in conducting information and psychological operations and using the situation at the front for these purposes by the aggressor is to weaken the pro-Ukrainian coalition, weaken support for Ukraine in the world, and convey a narrative about the alleged futility of the Ukrainian struggle and the impossibility of defeating the aggressor, the DIU representative stressed.
Are the Kremlin's tactics to undermine Western support for Ukraine working?
Yusov stressed that this is exactly what the Kremlin propagandists are constantly trying to throw in with the help of their own agents of influence.
But, nevertheless, we see that this is not working. The Ukrainian international coalition is stable, and support continues, although it is a very difficult job for the Ukrainian military and political leadership, diplomats. A job that faces a huge number of challenges, Yusov emphasised.
The DIU confirmed the occupiers' intentions to move further along the frontline, but stressed that Russia does not have the necessary resources to do so.
