Bloomberg: Kremlin abandons plans for offensive this spring

The Kremlin has abandoned plans for a further offensive in Ukraine this spring. Bloomberg cites sources as saying that Russia made the decision after failing to gain significant ground and decided to focus on deterring the Ukrainian army's counteroffensive, which is expected to begin soon.

In recent months, Russia has failed to capture any major cities. However, Putin has made it clear that Russia is prepared for a long war.

In addition, the Kremlin will try to recruit up to 400,000 contract soldiers this year to replenish its ranks and avoid a second wave of mobilization ahead of Putin's 2024 election campaign.

Bloomberg notes that "the goal of recruiting 400,000 contractors this year is likely unrealistic. This is roughly equal to the number of professional troops Russia had before the invasion."

Putin has made it clear that he is confident that Russia can wait until the fervor of Ukraine's supporters in the United States and Europe cools down, betting that if the Russians can prevent a new breakthrough by Ukrainian forces in the coming months, support for Kyiv will wane.

Ukraine, meanwhile, plans to launch a major counteroffensive in the coming months with troops trained in Europe and the United States and using newly delivered tanks, armored vehicles, and other weapons.

Background. At the same time, the United States has recently stated that the Russian army is preparing to launch another offensive against Ukraine in the coming weeks.