Ukraine's Defense Ministry says Russian-controlled militants in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, are most likely engaged in preparations for an offensive.
"The Russian officers appointed to command posts in formations and units of illegal armed forces during a recent rotation are trying to improve the combat capabilities of the subordinate units. In particular, they make the local leaders constantly increase the number and duration of drills, including the intensive use of combat vehicles," Ukrainian Defense Ministry press secretary for Anti-Terrorist Operation issues Oleksandr Motuzianyk said at a briefing in Kyiv on December 31 with reference to a report by the ministry's Defense Intelligence Department.
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However, he claims, the intensive use of military vehicles indicates possible preparations for an offensive.
"The enemy's enhanced attention to the use of military vehicles indicates a possible preparation for offensive actions. At the same time, the neglect by the Russian officers of the maintenance of the equipment indicates a probability of its replenishment from the territory of the Russian Federation," he added.