Viktor Muzhenko, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, says the analysis of the forms and methods of troops' deployment, which Russia worked out during large-scale exercises, testifies to their actual plans to conduct offensive operations against Ukraine.
Muzhenko's statement came during an operational and strategic meeting with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the General Staff press service reports.
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"Analysis of the forms and methods of the use of troops, worked out by the enemy during large-scale exercises, such as strategic command exercises Zapad 2017 [West 2017], Vostok 2018 [East 2018] maneuvers, and other combat training measures, as well as during armed conflicts, for example, in Syria, clearly indicate the content of their real plans, primarily on Ukraine, which are offensive in their nature,” he said.
According to Muzhenko, it is especially alarming that the main exercises for reserve troops will be held in Rostov and Voronezh regions both neighboring Ukraine.
He noted that the issue of exceptional priority for the enemy, which is not being concealed, instead constantly being worked out during exercises, is long distance deployment of troops and forces, including between strategic areas, territories of military districts, and to remote war theaters.
Muzhenko noted that, in addition to the Russian army's own capacities, including air and road transport, Russian railways are being engaged in this task at an increasing scale.