“The Russians can no longer sleep peacefully” – this is how General Roman Polko referred to information that the British will supply Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow missiles. “The key is not their number, but the way they will be used” – emphasized the former GROM commander in an interview with PAP.PL.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed that London would supply Ukraine with long-range missiles.
I think this is a groundbreaking decision. It has been known for months that if we, as the West, want to support Ukraine, we cannot limit the possibility of Ukrainian artillery impacts at Russia’s operational depth. The British understand
said General Polko.
The former GROM commander points out that thanks to the British missiles, the Ukrainian artillery, among other things, is strategic for the Russians.
The bridge must be destroyed as soon as possible. For Ukraine, the key must be the isolation of Crimea, not its capture at the cost of the lives of tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers
he said.
According to him, the destruction of the Crimean bridge would allow Ukrainians to regain access to the Black Sea and destroy one of Russia’s most important logistical routes.
The Russians can no longer sleep peacefully
– judged General Polko
He recalled that the HIMARS missile launchers, whose range was limited to 70 km, transferred to Kiev, allowed the Ukrainian army to take the initiative and prevented the aggressor’s attacks.
The Russians had to withdraw all supplies and command posts so that Ukrainian artillery could not reach them. This significantly confused the already very weak Russian logistics. Weapons with a range of 300 km will seriously threaten the Russian army
said General Polko.
British aid
The British have not yet announced how many Storm Shadow missiles they will send to Ukraine. General Polko pointed out that the key is not their number, but how they will be used.
We know that a dozen HIMARS have already made a big difference. Even if the Ukrainians get one or two cruise missiles and successfully destroy the Crimean bridge, it will be a game changer and a huge success.
he stressed.
The Ukrainian side has repeatedly stressed that if it receives long-range weapons from the West, it will not use them for attacks on Russian territory. This was the main condition set by the Allies for the transfer of this type of missiles to Ukraine. Nevertheless, according to General Polko, a possible attack on military targets in Russia would be justified.
From there the attacks are launched, the Russian troops are supplied there. It is difficult to expect Ukraine to impose such restrictions on itself
he said.
When asked if giving Ukraine long-range missiles could provoke an aggressive response from Russia, Polko said it was unlikely. He noted that the transfer of tanks and later aircraft to Ukraine did not exacerbate the conflict.
The West no longer cares about what Putin says. I was glad when in the media on the front pages I did not find any information about the victory parade in Moscow. This is a clear signal: Ukraine must do its job, regardless of the voices coming from the Kremlin. And certainly Russian propagandists will again threaten the world with nuclear weapons and, for example, the seizure of Warsaw
-added.
Even China has stopped taking Putin seriously, sees Russia’s defeat and clearly wants this war to end
he said.
Polko stressed that the success of the announced Ukrainian counter-offensive will largely depend on the element of surprise. He added that last year’s offensive, although successful, slowed down at some point, the Ukrainians suffered heavy casualties in men and equipment.
I’m sure they won’t make the same mistake. President (Volodymyr) Zelensky respects his soldiers and does everything possible to minimize losses
– said the former GROM commander.
According to him, the coming months will determine the further course of the war.
If the Ukrainian side does not take the initiative by the end of this year, the conflict will last for years. It will be a war of attrition and then not only Ukraine but the entire West will lose
said General Polko.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace on Thursday confirmed media reports of the transfer of Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine, with a range of up to 300 km. Wallace told the House of Commons that these missiles were “on their way or already in this country”. “The transfer of these weapon systems gives Ukraine the best chance to defend itself against Russia’s continued brutality, especially against the deliberate attack of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, in violation of international law. Ukraine has the right to defend itself against this said the British Defense Secretary.
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Mon/PAP
Source: wPolityce