Russian war of aggression: Ukraine fears new offensive in February

Ukraine believes it is possible that Russia will launch another major attack later this month – probably around the anniversary of the start of the war, the defense minister said. The situation is getting worse in the east of the country.

For a long time, experts and observers have been assuming that Russia will launch another major attack on Ukraine – so far the talk has mostly been of spring or early summer.

Ukraine itself believes such an offensive is still possible this month, as Defense Minister Oleksiy Resnikov has now announced: Russia will probably launch the country for symbolic reasons around the anniversary of the start of the invasion on February 24, Resnikov said – but at the same time restricted it : From a military point of view, the Russian reserves are not ready for this.

By the time the expected attack begins, not all of the weapons promised by Western partners will likely arrive in Ukraine, Reznikov said. But his country has reserves to stop the Russian advance.

Situation in the East still tense

Meanwhile, the situation in eastern Ukraine is getting worse: According to British military experts, the embattled city of Bakhmut is being encircled by Russian troops. This emerges from the daily intelligence update on the Ukraine war from the Ministry of Defense in London.

Accordingly, the two most important access roads to the city in Donetsk Oblast are now directly threatened by Russian fire – another road is being controlled by Wagner mercenaries. “Although several alternative overland supply routes are available to Ukrainian troops, Bakhmut is increasingly isolated,” the statement said.

The British Ministry of Defense has published daily information on the course of the war since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression, citing intelligence information. In doing so, the British government wants to both counter the Russian portrayal and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a targeted disinformation campaign.

Zelenskyj: “Occupiers mobilize forces”

In his daily video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also admitted that the situation in the east was getting worse. “During the 346 days of this war, I have often said that the situation at the front is difficult and that it is getting more and more difficult,” Zelenskyj said.

“Now we are at such a point again. A point where the occupiers are increasingly mobilizing their forces to breach our defenses,” Zelenskyy added. The situation in “Bachmut, Wuhledar, Lyman and other regions” is difficult.