Despite Russia’s significant losses on the battlefield, Ukraine has accused it of planning a large-scale ground offensive at the beginning of the new year, the BBC writes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has warned that Kyiv and its allies should be careful and that now is not the right time to become overconfident. The offensive could come from the Donbas side, from the south, or even be directed against Kyiv, army officials said.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov told the press that the accumulated evidence shows that Russia, which has suffered a series of battles, is planning a new land offensive. Reznikov suggested that the attack could take place in February when the second part of the mobilized people, about 150,000 troops, will be trained.
Reznikov said he expected a new wave of mobilization in Russia and added: «The Kremlin is trying to find new solutions on how to get the victory.»
At the same time, Western analysts point out that Russia’s ability to launch a successful ground attack is rapidly shrinking. British Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said this week that the war was becoming increasingly difficult for Moscow and that it was running out of ammunition.
There are currently no talks to end the war, and neither side has agreed to a Christmas truce. Military experts say hostilities could reach a stalemate in the winter, although fierce fighting continues, especially in the Donetsk region.
Ukraine has significantly improved its air defense capabilities but is still asking for additional armaments. On December 15, Western countries decided to increase support with additional military funding and military training. The European Union will give 18 billion euros to Ukraine next year, and Moscow will receive the ninth wave of sanctions. The US Army has announced that it will expand the training of the Ukrainian army in Germany.
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