Russian attacks have a “great psychological effect” on Kyivans, despite the fact that casualties in the capital are rare, according to a military expert.

General Sir Richard Barrons, the former head of the British Joint Forces, told Sky News that this was likely one of the objectives of Moscow’s forces ahead of the much-vaunted Ukrainian counter-offensive.

According to him, the missile attack and drone attack “did not cause many losses and destruction, it obviously had a great psychological impact on the population.”

Sir Richard added: “Every time a Ukrainian air defense missile launcher fires a missile at a cheap drone, it’s one less missile… it’s about the Russians trying to wear out Ukrainian air defense as well.”

The former commander noted that Russian forces “will do everything possible to lower Ukrainian confidence” in the counteroffensive, and the air battle is “a really important part of what’s going to happen next.”

Sir Richard also explained that it is difficult to judge the “battle of the wills” when it comes to this conflict.

“How fiercely, how resolutely will the Russians decide to defend trenches and trenches when the Ukrainians show up with NATO gear and with all the will to fight we’ve seen so far? And from the point of view of the Ukrainians, when they have to attack well-defended positions, will they have the will to continue?” – asks the commander.

Sir Richard said the counter-offensive would be an “expensive affair”.

• VIDEO. The bombing of the Russians, from another angle: Ukrainian children scream and run to shelter in terror
• Ukrainian official: Today was one of the most difficult days in the war

​

• Follow the latest events of the 460th day of the war in Ukraine LIVETEXT on HOTNEWS.RO.