The day before, Budanov announced a major offensive of the Armed Forces.
A “dilemma” arose in Moscow in connection with a possible breakthrough by Ukrainian forces of the defense lines of the Russian Armed Forces in two directions, according to British intelligence.
In their daily report, analysts note Russia’s strengthening of defenses in the central part of the Zaporizhzhia region and in the south of Ukraine – especially between Vasylivka and Orikhov. In this section of the front, the occupiers maintain large forces.
“The way Russia is working to improve its defenses shows that the command is most likely concerned about the possibility of major Ukrainian offensive actions in two directions: either in the north of the Luhansk region or in Zaporizhzhia,” says British intelligence.
Analysts explain that a major Ukrainian breakthrough in the Zaporizhia region will seriously undermine the viability of the Russian “land bridge” connecting Russia’s Rostov region and Crimea. And Ukrainian success in Luhansk will further undermine the military goal of “liberation” of Donbas, which is declared by Russia.
“Deciding which of these threats to counter first is likely to be one of the central dilemmas for Russians,” the report says.
Ukraine is preparing a major offensive
Kyrylo Budanov, the head of GUR PO, told about it. According to him, the Armed Forces will attack the occupiers already this spring.
Budanov’s statement is indirectly confirmed by the military aid packages announced by the West, which for the first time included offensive types of weapons, in particular light tanks from France and Bradley APCs from the USA.
On January 20, another meeting will be held in the “Ramstein” format, against this background, the head of the Foreign Ministry, Dmytro Kuleba, stated that he expects the supply of battle tanks from Western partners.
The Pentagon, in turn, has not yet confirmed the transfer of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, but they do not reject it either.
At the same time, there are reports of preparations for the arrival of Russia itself. According to intelligence, Moscow is going to throw another 500,000 people to the front as “meat”.
