Russian troops in occupied Zaporizhzhya Region continue to take measures to simulate a significant build-up of forces and resources in the southern direction, the National Resistance Centre has said.
The information was obtained from local resistance cells.
"These measures are complex in nature, as they are carried out at the level of demonstrative actions. In particular, there is a dispersal of training camps for mobilized Russians around Melitopol, with the necessary material and training base being equipped," the NRC said.
It is noted that narratives are being spread in the media space about "the successful completion of the next stage of combat coordination of mobilised servicemen and the further formation of new or additional units of the Russian Armed Forces". They will allegedly be used in the future for offensive operations in the southern direction.
"At the same time, the message is being actively spread that the counteroffensive operation of the Defence Forces in the Zaporizhzhya direction will be a fatal step on the part of the top military and political leadership of Ukraine," the NRC added.
Ground Troops Commander Oleksandr Syrskyy recently said that Bakhmut is being held to gain time to accumulate reserves and launch a spring counteroffensive.