Putin pretends to seek peace, but masses troops on Ukraine border

US officials: Moscow aims to gain more territory in the east. Movements of men and vehicles close to the front line. Kiev in trouble due to shortage of soldiers

Russia is massing troops and vehicles on the front lines ahead of a new offensive in Ukraine, aiming to gain additional territory, especially in the country’s east. This was revealed by two U.S. officials, cited anonymously by CNN, as negotiations between Moscow and Kiev resume in Istanbul.

According to one of the U.S. officials, Russian commanders “aspire to create a large force” and aim to gain ground in eastern Ukraine, where the war of attrition has consumed resources and men on both sides. A second official added that Russian President Vladimir Putin will try to “take as much territory as possible up to the outskirts of Kiev.”

Surveillance footage shown by CNN confirms that Russia has been moving substantial numbers of troops and heavy vehicles within a few dozen kilometers of the front line for weeks, a sign of a possible imminent offensive.

The new Russian attack comes at a difficult time for Ukraine, which faces a serious shortage of men at the front. According to U.S. assessments, it is largely thanks to drones and minefields that Kiev is still able to contain the Russian advance, despite its distinct numerical inferiority. Moscow, however, also faces problems in deploying the forces it would like as a result of the long war of attrition in eastern Ukraine.

Finally, per the top official cited by CNN, there are currently no signs that North Korea will significantly strengthen its troop presence in support of Russia in Ukraine.

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