 Russia is reportedly amassing a fighting force of around 100,000 troops in order to stage a massive attack in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, Kyiv reports. Ukrainian army spokesman Col Serhi Cherevaty confirmed the heavy Russian presence in the region, which he believes is focused on recapturing the city of Kupyansk. The city served as a crucial logistics hub and supply route for Russia's invading forces in the east, until it was recaptured by Kyiv during its counteroffensive last fall. 'The enemy has concentrated a very powerful group,' said Col Cherevaty told Ukrainian media. 'More than 100,000 personnel, more than 900 tanks, more than 550 artillery systems and 370 rocket salvo systems.' A Ukrainian military spokesman confirmed Russia had been amassing a huge fighting force to retake the city of Kupyansk (Picture: Getty) He added: 'They are concentrating everything in order to break through our defence. Our soldiers are firmly on the defensive. They do not allow the enemy to seize the initiative.' Moscow's troops have reportedly been in the area, but the recent uptick in attacks is seen to be a recent development. 'This issue is not recent; it has been ongoing for many months, and our defense forces have consistently thwarted their progress with strong counterattacks,' Chervaty said. 'The presence of 100,000 personnel is not a recent development. The approximate number has been known [to Ukrainian military intelligence] for a considerable time.' Cherevaty claimed the Russian attacks, though significant in scale, have been ineffective due to the low quality of Russian unit training and lack of real motivation. 'Yes, it is big. We have to take into account its size. However, this number does not indicate a direct threat or a cause for concern,' he added. His comments come following reports that Vladimir Putin has increased the maximum age elegible for military service to 70){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Russia is reportedly amassing a fighting force of around 100,000 troops in order to stage a massive attack in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, Kyiv reports.
Ukrainian army spokesman Col Serhi Cherevaty confirmed the heavy Russian presence in the region, which he believes is focused on recapturing the city of Kupyansk.
The city served as a crucial logistics hub and supply route for Russia’s invading forces in the east, until it was recaptured by Kyiv during its counteroffensive last fall.
‘The enemy has concentrated a very powerful group,’ said Col Cherevaty told Ukrainian media. ‘More than 100,000 personnel, more than 900 tanks, more than 550 artillery systems and 370 rocket salvo systems.’