Ukraine 'marshalling' troops for next major offensive: Here's when and where Kyiv could strike
As Russian strikes against Ukraine continue relentlessly and peace hopes seem to fade, a growing number of experts say the war may soon reach a crucial turning point.
"Ukraine is marshalling and holding back troops and ammunition for a new major attack on Russian positions", said Peter Dickinson, Ukraine analyst at the Atlantic Council.
"They've got to maintain the momentum that they’ve built up: First in September with the capture of the Kharkiv region, and then in November with the liberation of Kherson," he told Euronews.
A new offensive would also be "crucial to maintain the support of the international community and demonstrate that their huge financial and military effort for Ukraine is bringing results".
Former US Army colonel Liam Collins told Euronews that Ukraine needs to stage an attack before snow melts in spring, making unpaved roads harder to use.
"Everybody remembers the flooding in the first stages of Russia's invasion. It's very challenging to conduct an offensive and move troops around in those conditions".
"Ukraine are going to want to stage this attack while the ground is frozen and in favourable state for them".
Collins said that Ukraine can also absorb the stress of fighting in low or sub-zero temperatures much better than the Russians, who have logistics, morale and leadership difficulties instead.
"Those systems have been stressed for the Russians from the onset and weather conditions will only make that harder. The only advantage the Russians have in this conflict is mass".
While many are trying to speculate where the hammer may fall, Kyiv-based Dickinson said that logistics suggests the most obvious place for the offensive would be in the south, straight down to the Azov Sea coast.
"Probably in the
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