Putin is preparing new offensive against Ukraine, which may begin in February-March

Bloomberg informs about this.

Russia is reportedly keen to demonstrate that after months of losses its forces are regaining initiative, including pressuring Ukraine and its allies to force a cease-fire that includes control over occupied territories.

Sources close to the Kremlin said that resumption of the Russian offensive may begin as early as February-March of this year. They assume that it may begin before Ukraine receives promised supply of battle tanks from the US and EU.

"Putin is disappointed with the way things are going, but he is not ready to give up on his goals. It just means that the road will be longer, bloodier and worse for everyone," Tetiana Stanova, founder of political consultancy R. Politik, said.

As Ukraine prepares its own push, Putin is predicting another escalation of his war.

US and European intelligence have doubts about Russia's resources for new major offensive, even after mobilizing 300,000 troops in the fall of 2022. At the same time, Ukrainian allies are increasing supply of weapons.

Sources also said that fierce Russian attacks in places like Bakhmut had exhausted Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"Following blitzkrieg attacks by Ukrainian forces in summer and fall that breached its defense lines, Russia has since beefed up its defenses, using trenches, tank traps and mines to slow any potential advance," the newspaper wrote.

However, American and European military officials fear that war could soon degenerate into World War I-style artillery battle with largely stagnant front lines.

"If nothing changes, we will face a war of attrition, like the First World War, which can last a long time, because both sides believe that time is on their side," Andriy Kortunov, head of Russia's international affairs department founded by the Kremlin.

• Deputy head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukrainian Defense Ministry Vadym Skibitskyi said that it is too early to talk about a complete turning point in war in favor of Ukraine, but the situation will change, and 2023 will be the year of Ukrainian victory.