"Russia found a weak spot": Zhdanov explains why the enemy terrorizes Kharkiv daily and how long the terrifying shelling might last
How to protect Kharkiv from constant shelling
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Oleh Zhdanov / Photo: TSN
Russia terrorizes the frontline city of Kharkiv daily, shelling it with everything within reach. On May 25, the enemy created true hell. As a result of the air bomb strike on "Epicenter," at least 18 people were killed, 48 injured, and five are still missing.
Military expert Oleh Zhdanov told TSN.ua what purpose the Russians are pursuing by dropping bombs on civilians, and whether it is possible to stop the enemy and protect the city.
Why Russia bombs Kharkiv
According to Oleh Zhdanov, Russia's constant attacks on Kharkiv are typical terror tactics used by the occupiers to force Ukraine to capitulate on their terms.
"There is no other explanation for the actions of Russia. They understand that this is a million city. By inflicting damage on it, they are changing the social mood of a very large percentage of Ukraine's population. There are more than a million people there. And if a person communicates with at least a few others, the reach is much greater. It could be five, seven or ten million people who hear the opinion of Kharkiv residents. From a military point of view, unfortunately, the calculation is correct. They found this weak spot," Oleh Zhdanov told TSN.ua.
According to him, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson suffer less from Russian attacks, receive less fire damage only because they are located further from the front. It is more difficult to hit the cities.
How to protect Kharkiv from constant shelling
The military expert says there are several ways to protect Kharkiv from Russian terror. One of them is the use of modern air defense systems.
"This involves the use of the most modern missile defense systems, such as the MIM-104 Patriot. However, it cannot be installed independently because it also needs protection. In addition to the Patriot, it would be advisable to deploy a system like the "Iron Dome" or its analog currently being developed in Israel," says Oleh Zhdanov.
Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of obtaining permission to use Western weapons against Russian territory.
"We could, let's say, use the same ATACMS missiles in a cluster version to destroy the locations of the starting positions of the S-300 systems. But... We know the situation. The United States is still searching for a solution, and the debate continues in the White House. And none of the other partners particularly want to share these air defense systems with us. Spain refused — they said: we’ll give you missiles, but not the systems. Germany is giving some, but it's very few," Oleh Zhdanov told TSN.ua.
The military expert notes that Ukraine has long-range means to destroy the launchers Russia uses to shell Kharkiv.
"Besides aviation, we have everything. We have been provided with missiles in both high-explosive and cluster variants. We use them on Russian military bases in Crimea. So we have something to strike with, if only we had permission. Moreover, cluster missiles are the most effective for destroying S-300 launchers," Oleh Zhdanov said.
According to him, it is possible to protect the million city of Kharkiv from shelling almost completely.
"Tel Aviv, Haifa, Ashkelon (cities in Israel) are protected. Today's military technologies make it possible to guarantee almost one hundred percent protection of settlements from fire damage, ranging from multiple launch rocket systems to ballistic missiles. The "Iron Dome" itself can intercept rocket projectiles," the military expert explained.
How long the daily Russian terror might last
In Oleh Zhdanov's opinion, Kharkiv should, unfortunately, prepare for long-term shelling.
"This will last for a long time. Until we get the capability to protect Kharkiv, Russia will not stop. They found a weak spot, they liked it, and they understand that we cannot respond. As long as there is no response, they will continue to exploit this advantage," the military expert said.
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