Russia is creating a new grouping of more than 100,000 troops. This was reported by the Commander of the Land Forces Oleksandr Pavlyuk during a national telethon.
According to him, this grouping is being formed not necessarily for an offensive, but also to replenish current losses.
"But there is a possibility that by the beginning of summer they may have some forces for offensive operations on one of the directions. These are conditional forecasts," Pavlyuk said.
He noted that the Defence Forces will do everything possible to inflict maximum losses on the Russians and prevent new forces from entering the battle.
"But we are preparing for any development of the situation," Pavlyuk added.
He also reminded that Ukraine currently has no air superiority, and this allows Russian army to launch powerful air strikes.
Earlier, Pavlyuk stressed that the task of the Defence Forces is to stabilise the front line, regroup as much as possible to create a strike group and conduct counterattacks this year. He also noted that he is trying to capture Ukrainian territories as much as possible before the Russian presidential election, so "everything possible and impossible is being thrown at the assault." There are still several hotspots: Avdiyivka, Chasiv Yar, and Terny towards the Lyman.