"Russia Shifts Military Operation Focus to Southern and Eastern Directions"
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Yeeun] An analysis has emerged suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin is considering the so-called 'Korea scenario,' which would divide Ukraine into two separate states.
On the 27th (local time), Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Agency, stated in an official announcement, "Since Russia has failed to take full control of Ukraine, it is trying to create a region under its control to split Ukraine into two."
He added, "Russia is shifting the focus of its military operations to the southern and eastern fronts. They are attempting to bring about a situation that divides Ukraine into territories occupied by Russia and those that are not."
He further predicted, "There is credible reason to believe that Putin is exploring a 'Korea scenario' for Ukraine, and the Russian military will try to establish a boundary line between the occupied and unoccupied areas within Ukraine."
Budanov stated, "This is essentially an attempt to create North and South Korea within Ukraine," and added, "Ukrainians will soon wage guerrilla warfare in the regions occupied by Russia."
Claims that Russia intends to divide Ukraine by occupying the east and south based on the Dnipro River have been raised previously.
In eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, there is the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), established by pro-Russian separatist rebels. The LPR, along with the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), is an organization formed by Russian-speaking populations in eastern Ukraine who have declared themselves as independent states.
Supporting Ukraine's analysis, the LPR recently announced plans to hold a referendum for joining the Russian Federation.
Although the international community does not recognize them as independent countries, Russia recognized the LPR and DPR as independent states on the 21st of last month and deployed Russian troops to the areas they control. However, Russia has not yet recognized them as constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
For these entities to join the Russian Federation, a referendum must be held to confirm the residents' will, followed by a treaty of accession with the Russian Federation. Afterward, if the parliaments of both sides approve, they can become constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
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