According to information published in the Financial Times, the Russian Federation is preparing a major offensive against Ukraine in late May or June of this year. Sources, citing information from the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), claim that before this operation, the Russian Federation plans to launch missile strikes on Kharkiv and other strategically important cities in Ukraine, “softening the battlefield.”.
A Bild source in the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that they fear an attack on Kharkiv involving 20,000-40,000 Russian soldiers.
“Then we will have to decide whether we want to defend the north or the east. It is impossible to do both,” he said.
Another Ukrainian military officer also told the publication that he considers Kharkiv to be the most likely target of a future Russian offensive.
The American Institute for the Study of War believes that “well-equipped Ukrainian forces would likely be able to deter a Russian offensive.”.
“After two years, the Russians have understood how to effectively use their forces for offensive operations. Now they often drop countless bombs on the front. Not like before – just into a few insignificant hangars, but into every building that we hold,” a Ukrainian officer commented on the situation for BILD.
According to him, the Armed Forces of Ukraine “cannot do anything” without ammunition and missiles for air defense systems. At the same time, the Ukrainian military is currently erecting kilometers of anti-tank barriers – not only in the south of the country, but also on the borders with the Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk regions.
Let us recall that the Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly stated that they see no signs of Russia preparing for an offensive on Kharkiv.
