US calls on Ukraine to refrain from new offensive

Reuters reports the information citing a statement by a senior US presidential administration official on condition of anonymity.

"Senior US officials are advising Ukraine to hold off on launching a major offensive against Russian forces until the latest supply of US weaponry is in place and training has been provided," he said.

He added that Washington is still sticking to its decision not to provide Abrams tanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces at this time because they are "expensive and difficult to maintain."

The United States refused to transfer M1 Abrams tanks to Kyiv, citing problems with maintenance and logistics.

• On January 20, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said that 2023 would be a difficult year for the full de-occupation of Ukraine, but that partners would help with the counteroffensive.

• On the same day, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said that the country plans to train a tank brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces as part of a new support package.