Russia may launch new offensive within next 10 days

This was reported by the Financial Times, citing an unnamed advisor to the Armed Forces.

It is noted that Kyiv received "very reliable intelligence data about the intentions of the Russian Federation" regarding the offensive. This may happen within the next ten days.

Analysts believe that the likely spot for a new Russian offensive is in the area of Kreminna and Lyman. Russia has been gathering its forces there for several weeks. Probably, the activation of the occupiers is related to the fact that Putin ordered his troops to completely seize the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by March.

The Russian Federation is also building up its forces in the south of the Donetsk region, sending additional forces to the settlements around Mariupol.

The FT notes that the enemy intends to launch an offensive before Ukraine receives Western tanks and weapons.

An AFU anonymous adviser also reported that the Russian offensive will probably be led by elite units: "This should be taken seriously. These are real mechanized brigades, even if they are less combat-ready than they were at the beginning of the war. They have strengthened the airborne and marine units. This is not bus drivers and teachers".

• Previously, the publication Bloomberg wrote that despite the loss of the Russian army in the war with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning a new offensive, which may begin in February-March.

• Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of the NSDC, said that the Russians are preparing for a new wave of offensives in Ukraine by February 24 and are reconnoitering Ukraine's defense capabilities. Subsequently, he emphasized that the authorities understand the threat of a repeated attack by Russian troops on the territory of Ukraine and are preparing vigorously.

• On February 1, the NSDC Secretary stated: "The Russians are preparing for the maximum escalation of the war and no scenario can be ruled out in the next two to three weeks."

• On February 2, Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that enemy troops could launch an offensive in the East and South before the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine on February 24.