Washington: Russian commanders are divided over a massive winter offensive in Ukraine

A senior US official said on Tuesday that Russian leaders are divided over launching a large-scale winter offensive in Ukraine, amid fears that Moscow could once again try to seize the capital, Kyiv.

Speaking of the ongoing deliberations within the Russian government, the official, who requested anonymity, added, “I think we are facing different points of view”.

“It is clear that there are those who are in favor of continuing the offensive in Ukraine… Others have real questions about Russia’s ability to do so”.

The US official’s comments come at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to set his army’s goals for 2023 during a meeting with senior military officials on Wednesday, according to the Kremlin.

He asserted that the United States would quickly adjust and adapt its objectives if such a large-scale attack was decided.

“What we are doing, and we continue to do, is ensuring that the Ukrainians have the means to effectively defend themselves against Russian aggression,” the senior US official added.

According to him, the Ukrainians show no sign of wanting to “slow down, and I think the Russians should take that into account”.

Russia has suffered major military setbacks in recent months, forcing it to withdraw from the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine and the city of Kherson in the south.

President Vladimir Putin acknowledged, on Tuesday, that the situation is very difficult in 4 regions in southern and eastern Ukraine that Moscow has declared annexed, although it doesn’t fully control them.

Starting in October, Russia chose to resort to the massive bombing of Ukrainian infrastructure, which constantly causes electricity and water cuts.