Russia and Ukraine: Kyiv warns of Russian plans to launch a major attack early next year

 

The Ukrainian government has warned that Russia is planning a large-scale ground offensive early next year.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials emphasized the need for caution despite the recent setbacks for the Russian military.

The attack could affect the eastern region of Donbass, the south or even Kyiv, according to senior military officials in Ukraine.

Western analysts said Russia's ability to lead a successful ground offensive was rapidly declining.

        *Violent Russian attacks leave the city of Kherson without electricity.

In statements to the media, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that evidence was mounting that Russia, which had suffered a series of losses on the battlefield, was planning a new large-scale offensive.

He speculated that the attack would take place in February, after the completion of training exercises for tens of thousands of people recruited by Russia in October to support it in the Ukraine war.

"The second part of the mobilization includes approximately 150,000 people," Reznikov told the Guardian. "They need at least three months to prepare. This means that they are trying to start the next wave of attack, probably in February, like last year. This is their plan."

He added, "The Kremlin is trying to find other solutions to achieve victory," noting that he expects Russia to mobilize more civilians.

The Economist reported on Thursday that a new Russian attack could happen as soon as January, but it is more likely to happen in the spring.

"The Russians are bringing in about 200,000 new forces. I have no doubt they will try again towards Kyiv," said General Valery Zaluzhny, commander of the Ukrainian armed forces.

He said Russia was "100 percent prepared".

He added that "Ukraine's strategic task ... is to create reserves and prepare for war, which may begin in February, in March or, at worst, at the end of January."

He said, "It may not start in the Donbass, but towards Kyiv or towards Belarus, and I do not rule out the southern direction as well."

Both sides have rejected a truce before Christmas, and there are no talks aimed at ending the conflict.

        *Fighting rages in southern Ukraine, amid bombing from both sides of the conflict.

Military analysts say a winter stalemate could begin, even as heavy fighting continues, particularly in the Donetsk region, where Russian forces are pressing for control of the town of Bakhmut.

Ukraine has significantly improved its air defenses against Russian missiles, with Western support, but is calling for more advanced weaponry.

On Thursday, Western allies increased their support with more funding and military exercises.

European Union leaders agreed to provide $18 billion in financing to Ukraine next year and to impose a new package of sanctions on Moscow.

The US military also announced the expansion of training of elements of the Ukrainian army in Germany.