REUTERS

Director of the Defense Express Consultancy Serhiy Zgurets says that the goal of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is to destroy it as an independent state.

Ukraine's very existence is a constant irritant for Russia. Therefore, applying all kinds of shapes of war (economic, political, information, or military), Russia will continue to implement its strategy, the expert said, according to Glavred.

Read alsoPutin personally ordered Crimea annexation, ex-Duma deputy testifies – mediaAccording to Mr Zgurets, Russia's use of its military potential has so far been minimized. In any case, the Ukrainian state should be up in arms to repel a potential full-blown aggression.

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"This is because presidential elections in Russia and the FIFA World Cup will be certain reference points which in fact could have an impact onf Russia's further behavior in relation to its immediate neighbors," he added.

Read alsoRussia can escalate situation in Ukraine at any moment - PoroshenkoAs UNIAN reported earlier, on Feb 6, the Central Election Commission of Russia registered Vladimir Putin as a candidate for the presidential post.