Ivan Sichen, an expert of the Independent Analytical Center for Geopolitical Studies “Borysfen Intel”, for Gazeta.ua
The Kremlin has given instructions to withdraw the occupation contingent from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Russia understands that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are getting closer. Therefore, they have to think over escape routes.
However, we should not forget that under such a scenario, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin may resort to creating a terrorist attack at the ZNPP. This was stated in a comment for Gazeta.ua by military expert Ivan Sichen.
“Reason number one is that our troops are advancing. They are still quite far away, but progress is underway and we are approaching the ZNPP. If we successfully advance towards Melitopol, it will be difficult for the Russians to flee. Through Crimea included. If the front falls now, the invaders will have few ways to retreat, none being convenient. Therefore, they say that they need to take their troops away now. So far, those are only Russians who were brought to the nuclear power plant. The Ukrainians who started working for the Russians have already left. The troops of the occupiers still remain, but it is easier for them to flee than for civilians”, Sichen said.
The possibility of the Russians’ terrorist attack has not disappeared, the expert added.
“Because they understand that sooner or later they will have to leave the ZNPP. Therefore they can take such a step. Russia is facing the problem that it needs to end the war — it runs out of money. The open military budget has already reached four percent of GDP. And this is only the open part, because the war is mainly financed through secret parts of budget. Prigozhin’s mutiny played its role. It showed that Putin’s power is holding on to a thread. The Russians are running out of army, but Putin cannot launch another mobilization. And the dictator cannot give up his idea. Therefore, he can resort to a terrorist attack or, at least, even greater threats. In order to sit down at the negotiating table. I do not rule out that they have begun preparing this scenario”, Sichen said.
Author: Anastasiia Prokaieva
Source: Gazeta.ua
The article is available in Russian
