The probability that Russia may attack our cities on Ukraine's Independence Day. There will be provocations, but it is not worth talking about a massive shelling on August 24, since the threat of such strikes persists every day.
Military expert Mykhailo Zhirokhov told about this in a commentary for RBC-Ukraine.
"This is more like inciting the situation, because such "strikes" were expected on May 2 or 9, June 24, because on this day the Russians have a parade. That is, there are many such dates. But for such massive shelling, I believe that the Russian Federation no longer has the strength and funds, but there will be some provocations, hardly for the whole country, but, most likely, they may try to hit Kyiv," Zhirokhov believes.
At the same time, the expert draws attention to the fact that in the current situation, with the strengthening of our air defense, there is a very small chance that the Russians will be able to do something big.
"Provocations, which the Russian Federation will later accuse Ukraine of, are not excluded. Because it has already been reported about the so-called "trial" in Mariupol, and that there may be an explosion or shelling there, which will be blamed on Ukraine, etc. That is, such shelling can happen every day, not only on the 24th. Provocations are not excluded on any day," Zhirokhov notes.
To the journalist's question, whether the Russians may resort to missile strikes on civilian or government facilities, he replied that "it is possible that Russia will attack some quarter."
"But talking about negotiations after that will look quite strange. Therefore, I think this will be the last straw, after which there can be no negotiations," concluded Zhirokhov.
We will remind you that earlier President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Ukrainians that this week the occupiers may resort to particularly brutal attacks and provocations.
At the same time, the President's Office stated that it is possible that the enemy will hit the cities of our country with cruise missiles on August 24, and Kyiv may be on this list.
Meanwhile, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine called on citizens to be especially vigilant on Independence Day, as the Russian authorities are "wrong on the dates."
In turn, the Ministry of Internal Affairs urges Ukrainians on August 23-25 to hide in shelters at every air strike.