Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk made the comments on Ukrainian television following recent advances by Russian troops in eastern Ukraine.
Russian reservists in Rostov region, Russia on October 31, 2022. Photo: Reuters
“It doesn’t have to be an offensive, perhaps they will replenish units that have lost combat capability, but it is possible that by the beginning of summer they may have certain forces to conduct offensive operations,” Pavliuk said.
In a sign that Russia will toughen its stance in the conflict with Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Friday it considered itself in a "state of war" over Western involvement in Ukraine.
The choice of wording goes beyond the “special military operations” the country has used so far and could be part of a shift to prepare for a new phase of the war.
Russia's defense minister also said this week that Moscow will strengthen its military by adding two new combat forces and 30 new units by the end of this year.
Ukraine faces an ammunition shortage exacerbated by a deadlock in the US Congress over a new aid package. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk said on television that Ukraine has a 7-to-1 advantage in ammunition.
Mai Anh (according to Reuters, CNA)
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