Institute for the Study of War: Another Russian offensive in Ukraine is looming
A new Russian offensive in Ukraine is imminent according to the Institute for the Study of War. However, all sources - Western, Ukrainian and even Russian - indicate that a Russian offensive in Ukraine is unavoidable. The same assessment was offered by the American Analytical Center, which anticipates that the offensive will take place in the Lugansk region. In the meantime, Kiev is waiting for the tanks promised by the West and focusing on ordering fighter jets.
Dozens of battle tanks are moving towards Ukraine, while the Russians have claimed a series of victories in eastern Ukraine. More than 60 Bradley armoured vehicles have been loaded onto the freighter Arc Integrity, carrying military equipment to Europe, and have left port for Ukraine. But the US will not supply the F-16 fighter jets Ukraine has requested in its fight against Russia. The statement was made by the White House leader when asked by journalists if he would send the planes.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also took the same position, while Poland said it was willing to deliver such aircraft to Ukraine with NATO's consent and France also favoured addressing the issue.
"By definition, nothing is excluded, but we always assess things according to three criteria. The first is about what is required and useful, taking into account the training period for the Ukrainian army. And that is why, last week, I spoke again for more than an hour and a half with President Zelenski," President Emmanuel Macron said.
During the visit of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, President Volodimir Zelenski reiterated the importance of the promised faster arms deliveries and the urgent need to rebuild destroyed Ukrainian cities. First and foremost is the country's energy system, which has been significantly damaged by Russian missile attacks. So far the power grid has withstood 13 attacks and 15 drone strikes.
"Russian terror must lose in everything it does - both on the battlefield and through the lack of ruins in our country - in order to rebuild everything and thus demonstrate that freedom is stronger," Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski stressed.
The Kremlin has warned that further Western arms sales to Ukraine will only lead to a "significant escalation of the situation". Moscow said NATO countries are increasingly involved in the war, becoming direct participants in the conflict. According to the Institute for the Study of War, the situation on the front in Ukraine remains relatively static, but all assessments indicate that Russia is preparing a major offensive in the coming months. Moreover, Western analysts anticipate that the offensive will take place in the Lugansk region. According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Russia could mobilise an additional 200,000 troops and equip itself with weapons and ammunition by increasing domestic production, as well as by purchasing from other countries with authoritarian regimes, such as Iran and North Korea.
