The regrouping of the russian troops in the Kherson region and in the occupied areas of the Zaporizhzhia region indicates russia’s intention to gain a foothold in these territories. This was stated by Vadym Skibitskyi, the representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, on the air of the “Crimea.Realities” Radio Svoboda project.

“In the Kherson region, in the occupied territory of the Zaporizhzhia region, we see the strengthening that occurs due to the redeployment of troops from the territory of the Crimean peninsula. And this is a transit from the russian federation. And accordingly, we see that russia is now deploying powerful grouping in the occupied territories of southern Ukraine,” Vadym Skibitskyi said.

This grouping, in addition to the land forces, includes air and sea components.

“We see that since the beginning of May, the occupying forces have begun to strengthen their defence. Appropriate engineering structures are being prepared, not even one or two, but the third line of defence is being built. And this suggests the occupation of these territories, and we can talk about the prospect that the russia wants to stay for a long time. It is these military aspects and military indicators that indicate russia’s intentions to seize and hold these territories,” the representative of Ukraine’s military intelligence noted.