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Russian forces are reportedly gathering across the border from Ukraine's "fortress city" but why? After pushing Ukrainian troops out of Kursk, the Russian region they had occupied parts of for many months, what's left of the 50,000-strong Russian force is positioned just across the border from Kharkiv. Ukraine war's largest prisoner swap - latest updates
It’s believed Russia has a “four-month window” to break through Ukrainian forces before the weather begins to turn and dwindling stocks of Soviet tanks possibly start to run low.
A Ukrainian soldier carries an artillery shell on the front line in Donetsk region. Pic: Reuters
Where are the massing Russian troops – and are elite soldiers among them?
Kremlin troops have been gathering on the other side of the border near Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine, according to a senior Ukrainian military figure.
“The enemy is trying to pull its personnel closer to the line of combat contact and conduct at least some assault actions,” Andriy Pomahaibus, chief of staff of the 13th Operational Brigade, said this week.
“In general, they are not succeeding.”
Nonetheless, he said there is “clear preparation for active assault actions by the enemy”.
