In Crimea, authorities reported that a Ukrainian strike was thwarted at a primary naval base on Monday. The same day, an unexploded drone was discovered in a forest near Moscow. These events coincide with speculation that Ukraine is planning a significant counteroffensive.
Mikhail Razvozhayev, head of the port city of Sevastopol in Crimea, stated that the military destroyed a Ukrainian sea drone attempting to attack the harbor. Another drone subsequently exploded, causing damage to nearby apartment buildings. This follows a pattern of similar attempted strikes on Sevastopol, which houses Crimea's primary naval base.
Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the alleged strikes. Previously, they have not openly claimed responsibility for similar incidents but have emphasized their right to respond to Russian aggression.
Reports also surfaced on Monday that an unexploded Ukrainian drone was found in a forest approximately 19 miles east of Moscow. This incident highlights Ukraine's ability to reach deep within Russian territory as the country's military is believed to be preparing for a spring counteroffensive to reclaim occupied regions.
Experts suggest that the primary target of the counteroffensive may be the Russian-controlled portions of the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. If successful, Ukraine would sever the land corridor between Russia and Crimea.
In anticipation of the offensive, Ukraine has received advanced weaponry and new troops trained by Western allies. American-made Patriot missiles have already been deployed, according to a Ukrainian military spokesman.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their efforts to capture the Ukrainian stronghold of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region. The outcome of this battle is considered crucial in exhausting enemy forces and preventing further attacks along the 620-mile front line.
Ukrainian military intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, described the anticipated counteroffensive as a "landmark battle in Ukraine's modern history" that will enable the country to "reclaim significant areas."
Russian military bloggers speculate that the counteroffensive could be accompanied by a wave of drone attacks on a wide scale.
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