New Delhi: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claVladimir Putin is preparing a major military escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with plans to deploy an additional 300,000 troops to the battlefield.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia is aiming to capture the entire Donbas region, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk, by strengthening its military presence on the eastern front. He said the additional deployment could take the number of Russian troops fighting in the Donbas region to nearly 500,000, creating a major challenge for Ukrainian forces.
Zelenskyy Cites Intelligence Inputs Behind Claim
He claimed that Moscow could intensify its military campaign after the parliamentary elections scheduled in Russia for September 18 and 20.
The Ukrainian president said Russia’s focus would be on gaining full control of Donbas but asserted that Ukrainian forces would continue resisting any offensive.
Ukraine Claims Progress on Southeastern Front
Zelenskyy also highlighted what he described as recent successes by Ukrainian forces on the southeastern battlefield.
He expressed confidence that Ukraine would regain control of more occupied territories in the coming years and said that by 2026, Ukrainian forces would continue efforts to liberate regions under Russian control.
However, the battlefield situation remains highly contested, with both sides continuing military operations across multiple fronts.
France to Provide Missiles and Military Support to Ukraine
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would soon receive additional military equipment, including missiles, from France.
He said French President Emmanuel Macron provided assurances regarding military assistance during a phone conversation on Monday.
According to Zelenskyy, France has also agreed to provide licences and facilities that would allow Ukraine to manufacture certain missile systems domestically.
War Enters Another Critical Phase
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022, continues to witness intense fighting, particularly in eastern Ukraine.
The Donbas region remains one of the most strategically important areas of the war, with Russia seeking complete control while Ukraine continues efforts to reclaim occupied territories.
Zelenskyy’s latest warning about a possible Russian troop buildup signals the possibility of renewed escalation as both sides prepare for further military action.
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