Ukraine is anticipating a potential main Russian offensive launched for “symbolic” causes across the anniversary of its invasion later this month, the nation’s defence minister has mentioned.
Oleksii Reznikov mentioned Ukraine has the reserves to carry again Moscow’s forces though not the entire newest Western navy provides may have arrived in time for the anticipated Russian assault.
“Despite everything, we expect a possible Russian offensive in February,” he mentioned.
“This is only from the point of view of symbolism; it’s not logical from a military view. Because not all of their resources are ready. But they’re doing it anyway.”
Ukraine warfare – observe the most recent developments
Russian forces have made incremental features within the east as Moscow tries to grab the town of Bakhmut following a string of battlefield setbacks within the second half of final yr.
Mr Reznikov warned the offensive would seemingly be launched within the east, the place Russia is attempting to seize the entire heavily-industrialised Donbas area, or the south, the place it desires to widen its land hall to the occupied peninsula of Crimea.
He estimated Russia had 12,000 troops in Belarusian navy bases – which he mentioned wouldn’t be sufficient to launch a big assault from Belarus into Ukraine’s north.
‘We are prepared’
“Not all of the Western weaponry will arrive in time. But we are ready,” Mr Reznikov mentioned.
“We have created our resources and reserves, which we are able to deploy and with which we are able to hold back the
attack.”
Yesterday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned the state of affairs on the entrance traces within the east of the nation was getting “very difficult”, with Russia throwing increasingly troops into battle.
It comes as Russia’s defence ministry accused Kyiv of making ready to explode buildings in Ukraine after which accuse Moscow of finishing up warfare crimes and concentrating on civilians in a false flag operation.
Russia offered no proof for its claims in a publish on social media which mentioned the alleged assaults within the japanese Ukrainian metropolis of Kramatorsk can be utilized by Kyiv to push for Western governments to extend weapons provides to the nation.
A Russian missile strike killed a minimum of three individuals when it struck a residential constructing within the metropolis on Thursday, police in Ukraine mentioned.
Moscow has not publicly commented on the strike, however has denied concentrating on civilians in Ukraine.
Source: information.sky.com”
