Ukraine is preparing for Russia to try again to invade from the north in the New Yea r, a top Ukrainian commander has warned.
He fears the attack is being planned for around the anniversary of its first, failed attempt to seize Kyiv on February 24th.
Major General Andrii Kovalchuk, one of Ukraine ’s most senior military officers, says Kyiv’s forces would be ready, even to combat millions of Russians, but they would need ever more lethal support from Western allies.
Speaking at a hidden location in the south of the country he said: “We live with the thought that they will attack again.
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“Yes, we foresee such options, such scenarios. We are preparing for it. We live with the thought that they will attack again. This is our task.
“We are considering a possible offensive from Belarus at the end of February, maybe later.”
He said the Ukrainian armed forces would be ready, even to combat millions of Russians, but they would need ever more lethal support from Western allies, including potentially cluster munitions - a type of weapon that many countries, including the UK, have banned.
Major General Kovalchuk, 48, who is a decorated and highly experienced officer, warned that the fiercest fighting might yet be to come.
“We are preparing for it. We are investigating. We look at where they accumulate strength and means. We are preparing.”
Russia ’s first attempt to conquer Kyiv from the north ended in a humiliating withdrawal for President Putin.
Meanwhile Ukraine’s second city of Kharkiv was for hours left without power after the latest wave of Russian strikes targeted energy stations across the country.
