- Ukraine’s ground forces commander has warned that Russia is increasing its strength by 100,000 troops.
- He said it could happen before a major attack in the summer.
- Ukraine is making preparations such as starting the withdrawal of some brigades in order to restore its combat capabilities.
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Ukraine’s ground forces commander said Friday that Russia is building up 100,000 troops ahead of a possible summer offensive.
“We don’t know the full extent of Russia’s plans. All we know is the data they have and what they are creating. They have a group of over 100,000 people. We are making it,” said Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk. Said On Ukrainian TV.
“It’s not necessarily an offensive thing. Maybe they’ll use it to replenish forces that are losing combat capability,” he said.
“But by the beginning of summer it is possible that we will have forces to carry out offensive operations in either direction,” he added.
In preparation for a potential attack, Ukraine has begun withdrawing some brigades to restore combat capabilities, Pavliuk continued.
Think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Said Russia appears to be carrying out consistent offensive operations across eastern Ukraine in an effort to maintain its “hegemony” in the conflict.
Pavliuk said Russia likely wants to maintain the momentum it gained after successfully capturing Avdiivka in February.
Since capturing the city, Russian forces have had some small successes, and this week captured two villages Near the city.
Pavliuk pointed out that Russia is pouring resources in the direction of Avdiivka, Lyman and Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
The Battle of Avdiivka was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
Britain’s Ministry of Defense previously said in an intelligence update that Russia was suffering an average of nearly 1,000 casualties per day in Ukraine in February, the highest since the war began.
The ministry said Thursday that Russia continues to make modest advances, but progress has slowed in recent weeks, likely due to heavy losses suffered by Russian forces during the Avdiivka capture operation.