Russia may launch offensive in summer, creates formation of over 100,000 soldiers
Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Pavliuk (facebook.com)
Russia is mobilizing a new military formation of over 100,000 troops, raising concerns that the occupiers may attempt a fresh offensive on one of the fronts in the summer, according to the commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Pavliuk.
"The full extent of Russian plans is unknown to us. All we know is that they are assembling a force of over 100,000. It may not necessarily signify an offensive, perhaps they are reinforcing their units that have lost combat effectiveness," Pavliuk disclosed.
According to him, there is a possibility that by the beginning of summer, the Russians may amass sufficient forces to conduct respective offensive operations on one of the fronts.
"These are currently the worst-case scenarios suggesting an offensive. We will do everything possible to inflict maximum losses on the enemy, to ensure that all their resources being marshaled are engaged in combat by that time. However, we are preparing for various developments," the commander added.
Frontline situation
According to the General Staff, there were 74 combat engagements on the Ukrainian front within the past day, with the enemy continuing active assaults on the Novopavlivka direction.
As of Friday morning, March 22, Russia's losses in the war in Ukraine amounted to 870 occupiers, with a total of 434,710 military personnel from the Russian army since the invasion began. Additionally, the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed 8 enemy tanks, 37 armored combat vehicles, and 35 artillery systems.
