Russian offensive in South: Expert assesses threat to Zaporizhzhia

Russian forces’ increased offensive operations in the Zaporizhzhia region do not threaten the city itself, but they could escalate airstrikes using guided aerial bombs.

Dmytro Zhmailyo, executive director of the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation, said this in an interview with Ukrainian Radio.

According to him, Zaporizhzhia is reliably protected by defensive lines.

«The city of Zaporizhzhia faces no danger as it is surrounded by fortified positions and defensive lines. This is verified by both the troops operating in the sector and the war correspondents who frequently visit the Zaporizhzhia front, ” the expert said.

At the same time, Dmytro Zhmailyo pointed out that Russia may step up aerial strikes against the city.

«We can only speak of an escalation of aerial terror, since the Russians are upgrading their guided aerial bombs… Airstrikes will increase, but they cannot reach Zaporizhzhia on the ground, no matter the land operations, ” he stressed.