Russia may launch new offensive that will last all year - AP

Russian troops are preparing for a new offensive in the coming weeks to increase pressure on Ukraine and strengthen the Kremlin's position in cease-fire talks, Ukrainian officials and military analysts have said, the Associated Press has reported.

As the spring period of active fighting approaches, the Kremlin is planning a large-scale offensive along the entire 1,000-kilometre front line, military commanders and analysts cited by the publication said.

Russian forces are planning an offensive that could stretch for six to nine months, covering almost the entire year 2025. Fighting on the front line is not subsiding, and if Moscow really wanted to end the war, its actions would say otherwise," Ukrainian military analyst Oleksiy Hetman said.

The publication also points out that Ukrainian commanders have noted the intensification of Russian attacks. In their opinion, this may be related to the enemy's attempts to improve its tactical positions before a large-scale offensive.

They need to hold out until May, that's all," Ukrainian military analyst Pavlo Narozhny said.

According to the Ukrainian military, Russia has stepped up reconnaissance operations to detect and destroy firing positions, unmanned systems and other objects that could hinder the upcoming offensive.

According to the AFU General Staff, 183 military clashes were recorded on the front over the past 24 hours. The Pokrovskoye direction remains the most active part of the front. There were 73 attacks of the Russian troops over the day. Also heavy fighting is going on in the Kursk region. Ukrainian defenders stopped 14 assaults by the invaders.