New regions that will go to Russia have been named

Ritter: Ukraine will have to give up Kharkov, Odessa, Nikolaev and Dnieper to Russia

Photo: Global Look Press

The Ukrainian Armed Forces will gradually lose combat effectiveness and retreat, so the Dnieper (formerly Dnepropetrovsk), Kharkov, Nikolaev and Odessa will come under the control of the Russian Federation, said former American intelligence officer Scott Ritter.

«The Ukrainian army is falling apart. She will have to quickly decide to retreat to the Dnieper. This will speed up the process of Russia’s liberation of Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk and Nikolaev,” — the analyst shared his point of view.

According to the expert, he is not familiar with the combat plan developed by the Russian side, but is convinced that Odessa will also be taken under the control of the Russian Armed Forces. This will protect Crimea from possible missile attacks from the Ukrainian armed forces, the specialist concluded.

On December 25, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the capture of Marinka, located near Donetsk, by Russian troops. The head of the military department emphasized that over nine years, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have created a powerful fortified area in the village with underground passages and protection from air and artillery strikes.