The Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, would not rule out the potential that President Vladimir Putin will launch another invasion from the north, south, and east on 24 February 2022, maybe to coincide with the anniversary.
Ukraine is ready for a big Russian escalation, probably within the next two to three weeks, according to the nation’s senior security officer.
Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov stated that the heaviest fighting was still to come and that the next few months will determine the war’s outcome.
He requested western countries to send additional armaments, including Typhoon fighters from the British Royal Air Force and fighter aircraft from other allies.
“Russia is ready for maximal escalation,” Mr. Danilov said in an interview in the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday.
It entails amassing all available information and conducting drills and training.
He would not rule out the chance that President Vladimir Putin will launch a similar onslaught from the north, south, and east as he did on February 24, 2022 – maybe to coincide with the anniversary.
“We are aware that all options are on the table… In the upcoming two to three weeks, we are not ruling out any possibility.”
According to him, the Ukrainian military was preparing for all possibilities and had substantially more backing from western allies such as the United Kingdom than it had a year ago.
“Those nations that support us in our struggle have begun to supply us with maximum assistance.”
However, according to a western diplomat, there are no indications that Russia is planning anything special for February 24.
In a briefing to journalists, the western official stated, “We will continue to follow this situation.”
“Historically, [Russia] has attempted to complete tasks on specific dates. The Ukrainians come from a similar culture. But I haven’t seen any indications from either side that they have plans in motion.”
Mr. Danilov anticipated that around half of the almost 320,000 soldiers mobilized by Russia last September would participate in the second wave, whenever it occurred.
After Moscow’s invading forces sustained considerable losses, the first half of the men has already been dispatched to Ukraine to rebuild its lines.
Ukraine has also paid a significant price in terms of military and civilian casualties.
Bloodier days are ahead
However, the chief security official foresaw far bloodier times ahead.
“Of course. We endured a protracted period of adversity, but I am aware that the decisive battles will occur this year, within two to three months. These months will be decisive in the conflict “Mr. Danilov remarked.
This is why the Ukrainians are pleading with their western allies to provide more and faster lethal weapons.
They have – belatedly – acquired tanks and are now seeking swift jets.
“It would be ideal if they were Typhoon fighters from the [RAF]. F-16s are also excellent “Mr. Danilov said.
“Any aid would be appreciated.”
It is not only Russian forces that are resupplying and preparing for an attack.
Mr. Danilov stated, “We have our intentions, and they are apparent to us, but they are secret.”
“They are not hidden from our primary allies, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries assisting us. We shall adhere to our plan.”
The ultimate objective is to reclaim all land gained by Russian forces, not only since February 24, 2022 but also since Russia launched its first invasion of Ukraine in 2014, seizing the Crimean peninsula and supporting insurgents in the eastern Donbas region.
Mr. Danilov stated, “We will undoubtedly win because we have the world’s backing.”
