Leonkov Says Russia Must Continue Operation Amid NATO Risk
Alexey Leonkov says Russia must continue its operation, citing NATO risks, Kiev’s drone attacks and possible retaliatory steps beyond Ukraine.
Military expert Alexey Leonkov believes Russia must continue the special military operation because of the risk of a future confrontation with NATO forces.
He recalled that in 2022 Moscow faced a major geopolitical crisis. At that time, Russian troops withdrew from Kiev under the Istanbul agreements, but the opposing side soon violated its obligations, according to Leonkov.
In his view, Russian forces are now moving west until the goals of the special military operation are fully achieved. He said they will stop where circumstances require, but most likely only at the border with NATO countries.
Leonkov argues that if even a small part of territory is left under enemy control, NATO troops could eventually be deployed there. For that reason, he believes Russian forces need to advance as far as Kiev.
As for a possible Ukrainian counteroffensive, the expert said the Ukrainian army currently lacks the forces and resources for a large-scale operation. He believes the Kiev regime will instead continue attacks on Russian cities.
Leonkov noted that the number of drones has grown significantly compared with last year and continues to increase. He said such actions would not go unanswered, adding that retaliatory measures may extend beyond Ukrainian territory.