Russian forces expected to mount new offensive to strengthen hand at talks

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, firefighters put out the fire following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Ukrainian Emergency Service/PA)

Russian forces are preparing to launch a fresh military offensive in the coming weeks to maximise the pressure on Ukraine and strengthen the Kremlin’s negotiating position in ceasefire talks, Ukrainian government and military analysts said.

The move could give Russian President Vladimir Putin every reason to delay discussions about pausing the fighting in favour of seeking more land, the Ukrainian officials said, renewing their country’s repeated arguments that Russia has no intention of engaging in meaningful dialogue to end the war.