Russia plans major offensive: Ukrainian analysts identify two priority areas

He expressed this opinion on the Espreso TV channel

"The main directions of the Russian offensive will now be Kupyansk and Chasiv Yar. These are the two areas that Russian forces will be focusing on. The pressure on our positions will increase especially after the presidential elections in Russia. Because after the elections, they will begin more intensive mobilisation. This mobilisation will allow them to recruit the appropriate amount of human resources by September to significantly strengthen the capabilities of their offensive forces near Kupyansk and Chasiv Yar," Kovalenko explained.

The expert stressed that Russia is also planning to resume offensive actions in the direction of Vuhledar.

"Among other things, the occupying Russian troops may intensify their offensive near Vuhledar. They are not very active there now. However, they are concentrating their forces and means. There was an opinion that they could launch an offensive in the direction of Vuhledar by the beginning of the new year. But now they are waiting until Novomykhailivka is completely captured. Then they plan to move further from the north towards Vuhledar," he added.

• On Monday, February 19, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the frontline to visit the defenders in the Kupyansk sector, where he spoke with the military and presented them with awards
• Over the past day, 81 combat engagements took place at the frontline. Russian forces are attacking in 8 key areas, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine neutralised another 1230 Russian servicemen.