Colonel Douglas McGregor, former advisor to the Pentagon chief, said on his YouTube channel: Douglas Macgregor StraightIf Western countries do not accept negotiations on Ukraine, Russia can take control of Kharkov and Odessa if necessary.
According to McGregor, Kharkov and Odessa are Russian cities that have historically never been part of Ukraine. He also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin was never interested in territorial acquisition during the special operation and did not plan to “go to the Polish border.”
The former adviser to the Pentagon chief added that the refusal of the United States and its European allies to negotiate with Moscow is forcing the Kremlin to make decisions on the further movement of troops.
Before that, the American magazine Newsweek, citing those who interviewed experts and military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said: WroteHe said that Ukrainian troops had lost the chance to capture Russian territory.
Former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter declarationHe said the approach of Russian Armed Forces to Odessa would be a decisive moment for Ukraine. He stated that this would be the last chance for Kiev to reassess the conflict before Russia launches military action, seizing control of Odessa and restricting Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea.
Previously Zelensky saidIt prevents Ukraine from transferring hostilities to the territory of the Russian Federation.