Russia uses "three-layered" plan to destabilize Ukraine - Ukrainian intelligence

Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, said this in an interview with The Economist.

The main factor in this regard is the military. As the intelligence official explains, despite the fact that the U.S. Congress belatedly authorized an increase in military aid, it will take weeks before it reaches the front lines. In addition, it is unlikely that this aid will match Russia's stockpile of shells or provide effective protection against Russia's low-tech, destructive guided aerial bombs.

The second factor, according to Skibitskyi, is Russia's disinformation campaign in Ukraine aimed at undermining Ukrainian mobilization and the political legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose presidential term conditionally ends on May 20. 

A third factor that plays an important role in this regard, Skibitskyi said, is Russia's relentless campaign to isolate Ukraine internationally. 

"They will shake the situation as much as they can," he said.

• Skibitskyi suggested that Russia is preparing for an offensive in Kharkiv and Sumy regions in late May or early June. However, in his opinion, Russian troops are unable take Kharkiv or Sumy.