Russia may open new front to shift Ukrainian forces attention away from Donbas - NYT

This is stated in an article by The New York Times, seen by Ukrinform.

Having accumulated about 320,000 soldiers in Ukraine and 150,000 in training camps, the Kremlin may try to seize Ukrainian positions through a massive offensive, according to the piece.

It is noted that Russia is deploying tens of thousands of troops in a way that suggests likely intentions to simultaneously advance from the north and south, trying to encircle Ukrainian forces in Donbas.

Another offensive option could be to open a new front to distract Ukrainian forces.

This is likely to imply an offensive from Russian territory, therefore Ukrainians are closely monitoring any movements near the city of Sumy close to the Russian border, as well as Russian attempts to regain territory in Kharkiv region, according to analysts.

The publication adds that the Russians are amassing manpower, including newly mobilized soldiers, beyond the range of HIMARS missiles.

As reported by Ukrinform, Ukraine’s defense intelligence believes Russia plans in the spring and summer of 2023 to call up for military service 300,000 to 500,000 people to sustain offensive operations in the east and south of Ukraine.