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- Ukraine’s ground forces commander warned that Russia is amassing 100,000 troops.
- He said it could be ahead of a major summer assault.
- Ukraine is preparing by starting to withdraw some brigades to restore combat capability.
According to the commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, Russia is currently gathering a substantial force of 100,000 troops in preparation for a possible offensive during the summer.
“We do not have full knowledge of Russia’s plans. What we do know is the information they possess and the groups they are forming, totaling over 100,000,” stated Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk during a television interview.
He stated that it may not be an offensive move. Instead, they might utilize it to replenish their units that are experiencing a decline in their combat effectiveness.
He added that there is a chance that they might have some forces ready to launch offensive operations in one direction by the start of summer.
In order to be ready for a possible attack, Ukraine has begun the process of withdrawing certain brigades to ensure they can rebuild their combat capability, as explained by Pavliuk.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated that Russia is actively carrying out offensive operations in eastern Ukraine to maintain control over the conflict.
According to Pavliuk, Russia probably aims to keep up its momentum following its successful takeover of Avdiivka in February.
Russian forces have achieved some small successes since capturing the city, with reports this week stating that they have successfully taken control of two villages near the city.
According to Pavliuk, Russia is allocating its resources to Avdiivka, Lyman, and Bakhmut, all located in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.
The battle of Avdiivka proved to be one of the most devastating conflicts in the ongoing war, resulting in significant casualties for both opposing factions.
According to an intelligence update from the UK Ministry of Defence, Russia experienced an alarming increase in casualties in Ukraine during February. With an average of nearly 1,000 casualties per day, this figure represents the highest toll since the start of the war.
According to the department’s announcement on Thursday, Russia’s progress in the conflict has slowed down in recent weeks, possibly as a result of the significant losses its forces experienced during the Avdiivka campaign. Although Russia is still making small gains, their advances have become less rapid.
