A Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine appears imminent even as Kyiv holds out for more weapons deliveries for its own push in the south in the spring, according to 

A Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine appears imminent even as Kyiv holds out for more weapons deliveries for its own push in the south in the spring, according to information from US and European officials.

However, the officials warned that neither side is likely to make up much ground soon in a conflict that is still highly stalemate. According to the persons, who asked not to be named because the conversation involved classified intelligence, Russia is less likely to launch an offensive from the north through Belarus.

According to the most recent assessments, while the arsenal of weapons already delivered by the US, Europe, and other allies — including ammunition, artillery, tanks, and longer-range missile defenses — is assisting Ukraine in holding back Russian forces, it is insufficient to effectively reclaim lost ground before Moscow launches its offensive. A few months will pass before more weapons arrive. That may indicate that the conflict will continue at least through this year.

The assessments confirm the recent warnings from Ukrainian authorities and foreshadow some challenging weeks ahead for its forces, who might now be facing up to 300,000 Russian soldiers on the front lines – a significant increase from the first invasion almost a year ago.

The worries come after what many military observers had dubbed a "winter transition" in the conflict, during which the battlefield stabilized following two dramatic Ukrainian counteroffensives in the fall. Despite being poorly trained and equipped, President Vladimir Putin's military mobilization has strengthened Russian defensive lines during the winter, and they may soon be used in the attack.

“We are on the eve of a very active phase,” Andriy Yusov, a representative for the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s intelligence service, said on Wednesday, calling the current situation “very difficult.” 

“There will be very active battles in February and March,” he added.

If Russia can hold onto territory, the possibility of a battle extending into 2024 may work in its favor since it may put President Volodymyr Zelenskiy under pressure to participate in discussions.

Zelenskiy has often asserted that he will not give up a single square inch of Ukrainian territory in negotiations and that Kyiv will demand the restoration of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. While there is already significant allied support for Ukraine, a protracted war may put that resolve to the test.

Advanced battle tanks from Europe and the US might not arrive on the battlefield until later in the spring due to the time required for delivery, training, and establishing supply lines. They will provide Ukraine with a much-needed boost when they finally arrive. With the aid of air defense systems deployed in by its friends, its military has already had increased success in recent months shooting down Russian missiles aimed at its cities and energy facilities.

According to a senior official, the US is instructing the Ukrainian forces to bide their time until those tanks and other weapons can come. Ukrainian troops may soon have to leave the eastern town of Bakhmut to gather supplies for a spring onslaught in the south, according to US and European officials, giving Russia a symbolic triumph.

Zelenskiy stated in his routine nightly address on Wednesday that the situation for Ukraine's military in the east "is growing much more serious." "The occupiers' offensive actions have increased somewhat up front."

To some extent, Russia is also picking up lessons from its errors. It has withdrawn equipment from places that can be reached by long-range artillery, increased the amount of defensive infrastructure in northern Crimea, including barriers and trenches, and increased the number of mines. A senior NATO official claims that it is also running shorter logistical lines. Moscow's efforts to enlist more troops will also push Kyiv to use more ammunition at a time when there is a shortage.

Nevertheless, Ukraine has bounced back from tactical setbacks and defied forecasts that the war would come to a standstill multiple times, and it very well may do so again.

The officials claimed that withdrawing from Bakhmut would not significantly alter the course of the conflict. According to a senior US official, the Ukrainian military would probably set up defensive positions fairly near to the location of the front line right now.

With a tactic of sending waves of troops into combat to gain ground, the Russian army continues to sustain significant losses on the battlefield. Even if more soldiers may be called up, it will be difficult to train recruits because so many mid-ranking officers have already died in combat, according to NATO officials.

Russia is predicted to advance in the direction of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk from Bakhmut. Given the breadth of the area to be captured, its forces are unlikely to soon be able to seize the entire eastern Donetsk region.

The time and places of assaults may always alter depending on how the fight plays out because both sides will probably want to use an element of surprise.

As Russia's military supplies are cut off, numerous officials said that Ukraine's focus on the south throughout the spring and summer may create chances near Crimea. Before that, Russia might try to drive Ukrainian soldiers as far north as they can, away from Crimea, which is undoubtedly Putin's treasure and something he wants to safeguard above all else.

A senior US official said it was unlikely Ukraine could retake Crimea anytime soon, adding the government in Kyiv is focused on more immediate goals that are challenging enough.

The end of the summer would still be a difficult time for Putin and his men if Ukraine were to retake land in the south near Melitopol and divide Russian lines between Crimea and the east of the country.

To say the truth friends, I think their will be another war between Ukraine and Russia. The reason for this is that we are yet to see any signs of peace in this game as Russian are preparing for another war and trust me, Ukraine are ready for the same. It's obvious that the battle has been drawn already and only God can stop this war. Let's keep praying for Russian and Ukraine citizens. You can leave your comment and let's see how the matter can be resolved.

Russia to Press Assault in Ukraine’s East as Kyiv Waits for More Weapons

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