More and more reports suggest that a new Russian offensive may take place in the near future. The president of Ukraine has warned on several occasions that the Russian troops are getting ready for a major offensive, after a long period of static fronts.
– Every day we see that they are sending in more troops, or an increased number of Wagnerites (mercenaries from the Wagner group), says Zelenskyj according to Reuters.
– Russia really wants its great revenge.
Uncertain data
According to the ISW think tank, several sources in the West, Ukraine and Russia indicate that a Russian offensive may be launched. The data has prompted Zelensky to plead for faster arms deliveries.
– Russia wants the war to drag on in order to tire out our forces, so we must make time our weapon. Everything has to go faster, get faster deliveries and open up new weapon options for Ukraine.
Joakim Paasikivi, lieutenant colonel, says that a Russian offensive is possible and that the ambition is certainly there, but he also wants to emphasize that many of the details are uncertain.
– It is in Ukraine’s and Zelenskyi’s interest to raise these issues, he says and continues:
– He has brought up similar things before. For example, that there would be an invasion from Belarus. He raises these risks to maintain interest for natural reasons.
150,000 mobilized soldiers
According to Paasikivi, around 150,000 mobilized soldiers are being trained in Russia and are expected to arrive during the winter. At the same time, several Western countries have given the go-ahead to send several heavy combat weapons.
An argument for a Russian offensive taking place in the near future is that it would precede the tanks arriving from the west, Paasikivi believes.
– It would have been logical for Russia to attack before Ukraine receives its powerful tanks, which are likely to arrive later this spring.
Javascript must be enabled to play video
