Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk made comments on Ukrainian television after recent advances by the Russian army in the eastern battlefield of Ukraine.
Russian reserve forces in Rostov region, Russia on October 31, 10. Photo: Reuters
“It won't necessarily be an offensive, perhaps they will replenish units that have lost their ability to fight, but there is a possibility that by the beginning of the summer they may have a certain number of forces,” Mr. Pavliuk said. to conduct offensive operations".
In a sign that Russia is getting tougher in its conflict with Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Friday it considered itself in a "state of war" because of Western involvement in Ukraine.
The choice of words 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 2 new units by the end of the 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 there is a 7/1 advantage in ammunition compared to Ukraine.
Mai Anh (according to Reuters, CNA)
