Zelensky believes Russia is ready to launch a new, larger offensive

Zelensky believes Russia is ready to launch a new, larger offensive.

Kompas.com, January 4, 2023.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia plans to call up more troops for a new major offensive.

Zelensky believes Russia will mount a major offensive even though Moscow has faced some of its biggest internal criticism of the war over the attack which killed scores of new conscripts.

Kyiv has been saying for weeks that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to order another mass conscription and close its borders to prevent men from escaping conscription.

"We have no doubt that Russia today will throw everything they have and everyone they can muster to try to turn the tide of the war and at least delay their defeat," Zelenskiy said in his video address late Tuesday (3/1/2022).

Russian Drone Attack on Ukraine on New Year's Eve to Putin and Zelensky's Speeches

Russian Drone Attack on Ukraine on New Year's Eve to Putin and Zelensky's Speeches

"We must thwart this Russian scenario. We are preparing for this. The terrorists must be defeated. Any new offensive attempts by them must fail," he added.

Russia's defense ministry on Wednesday (4/1/2022) blamed its troops' use of cellphones for a Ukrainian attack on New Year's Eve that it says killed 89 servicemen.

This is the deadliest incident Moscow has claimed for its troops since the start of the war.

If Russia plans a new mobilization, the deaths of a number of conscripts on New Year's Eve could undermine morale.

Hundreds of thousands of people fled Russia when Putin ordered the first call-up of reservists since World War Two in September after a military setback.

Putin said last month there was no need for further mobilization. But in a sign the Kremlin may now be considering, a small group claiming to represent Russian soldier widows issued a call on Tuesday for Putin to order a massive mobilization of millions of people.

Source: www.kompas.com

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