Russia has not abandoned its ambition to ultimately take Kyiv, said Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk, the head of Ukraine’s ground forces, according to The Economist.

Currently, the general is involved in ten new brigades in preparation for the Russian offensive, part of which will be deployed to protect the capital. While many believe that the shortage of manpower is the main threat to the Ukrainian forces, Pavliuk said that the country desperately needs artillery and armored vehicles, as well as Western air defense systems.

Ukraine also anticipates the delivery of F-16 fighter jets this year, which will offer a significant psychological boost to both the military and the population and will allegedly help the country push back Russian aircraft from its borders.

“Defending Kyiv remains one of our main concerns, no matter how tough it is in the east. It is the heart of Ukraine, and we know the key role defense of the capital will play in the future,” claimed the general.

Today, Russia’s threat is fundamentally different from what it was in 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale offensive on Ukraine. The invaders don’t have the capabilities to conduct sweeping raids on multiple fronts. It is using newly-produced missiles rather than from its once large stockpiles. Ukraine’s armed forces have also become stronger than they were.

General Pavliuk anticipates that the critical phase of the war will unfold over the next two months. As American aid slowly reaches the front lines, Russian commanders are deploying all available combat resources to challenge Ukraine’s exhausted and undersupplied forces. Pavliuk emphasizes that Russia is aware that a significant influx of weaponry within the next month or two could turn the situation in Ukraine’s favor.

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