The Russian military wants to occupy the entire territory of the Donbass (illustrative photo)/Getty Images

The Russian military is trying to step up attacks in eastern Ukraine. They probably want to occupy the entire Donbas by May 9 in order to declare victory.

Ex-US State Department representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker spoke about this in an exclusive interview with Olena Tribushna on Channel 24.< /p>

“They (the Russians – Channel 24) are trying to intensify attacks in the Donbass, and, I think, occupy the entire Donbass until May 9 in order to declare “victory,” said the former representative of the US State Department.

Why the Russians have little chance of reaching the goal

According to Volker, the Russian armed forces are not in a very good condition.

Even if the existing combat units are replenished with untrained conscripts and reservists, as well as second-rate equipment instead of the one that was at the beginning of the war, the chances of reaching even Russians have few limited goals. Also, they will have problems with command.

At the same time, Ukraine needs all possible help from the West: various types of weapons, including artillery, combat vehicles, tanks, Volker emphasized .

This is necessary so that the Ukrainian army can move forward, as well as return and control the territories from which the Russians will be expelled.

“I think now is the moment when Ukraine has advantage in the war. It is important that the West is increasingly inclined to provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with all the necessary equipment,” added the former representative of the US State Department.

See the full interview with Kurt Volker on April 7 at 21:00: 00 on YouTube 24 channels. Don't miss it!