Russia may be preparing for a major offensive in the coming weeks - Reuters

The aggressor country Russia may be preparing a larger-scale offensive on the frontline in Ukraine. According to analysts, the offensive in the north of Kharkiv region may be just a distraction.

This is stated in the material of Reuters. Journalists write that Ukraine warns of a build-up of Russian troops in the Sumy region.

"Kyiv, the troop shortage of which is exacerbated by delays in Western weapons deliveries, warned that Russia could be preparing for a major offensive in the coming weeks. It noted the build-up of small Russian units near the Sumy region," the newspaper writes.

Black Bird Group analyst Pasi Paroinen told Reuters that Russia's offensive in the Kharkiv region looks like "an attempt to draw Kyiv's limited reserves into the battle" before launching a major summer offensive.

"If Ukraine redeploys its forces in Kharkiv and Sumy, it will be able to retain some territory and possibly prevent artillery shelling of civilians in Kharkiv. It may even be able to push the enemy to the border. But this could cost them the war if they do not have reserves to respond during Russia's summer offensive," he emphasized.

The newspaper writes that Russia's offensive in the Kharkiv region is "a headache for Ukrainian military planners, whose troops are already stretched along a line of more than 1,000 kilometers."

In addition, as the journalists reminded, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Thursday that the Pokrovsk direction remains the most difficult area on the frontline in Ukraine, where Russia's offensive has not weakened for several months.

As reported, the commander of NATO forces in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, is confident that Russia's offensive in the north of Kharkiv region is unlikely to result in a strategic breakthrough for it. To make such a breakthrough, Russia does not have enough forces and means.

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