A security official said the Russian army could “attack simultaneously from northern Crimea, from the occupied territories in the east and the north”.

The attack could take place in late January and early February “if Ukraine and NATO ignore the Russian president’s demands.

NATO insiders believe the attack could take place in three phases. Each phase could be the last in an operation if the West’s response to the invasion leads to a reassessment of the situation.

The first phase

According to a high-ranking Western intelligence officer, at the first stage, with a strike from the occupied Crimea and Donbas, Russia plans to take control of the entire south of Ukraine up to the border with Moldova and Romania.

Russia plans to use amphibious assault ships, which were moved from the Baltic Sea to the region, to transport tanks and troops from Crimea to the outskirts of Odesa.

Another high-ranking military officer clarified that Russia plans a landing operation to the east of Odessa. Between the villages of Fontanka and Koblevo. Russian troops intend to advance northeast of the city, then into Transnistria, as a result of which Odessa will be cordoned off. In the Kherson region along the Dnieper River, will be conducted “airborne special operations”, which will block bridges across the country’s most important river and thus cut off supplies to Ukrainians.

“Initially, there will “only” be artillery fire from Crimea on strong Ukrainian positions. Then Ukrainian troops will be occupied there and will not be able to recapture the bridges behind them”, - he said.

According to the source, Russian tank units, with the support of the navy and aviation, will move westward from occupied Donbas, then divide and advance to Zaporizhzhia, as to the most important military centre in southern Ukraine and further. They will also move towards occupied Crimea.

Source: “Bild”

The second phase

In the second phase, Russia may strike from the northeast to seize all of eastern Ukraine on the left bank of the Dnieper. With the first phase of the war, Putin’s aircraft and ballistic missiles will weaken Ukraine’s military potential across the country.

Russian tank units can cross the border in Luhansk and Kharkiv oblasts and advance to the major cities - Dnipro and Poltava.

“First of all, they will surround the cities and cut off electricity, gas, and food supplies. In a few weeks, the Russians can declare themselves saviours of civilians, invade capitulated cities, and save the Ukrainian population from starvation or death“, - one officer said.

The third phase

In the second phase, Russia may strike from the northeast to seize all of eastern Ukraine on the left bank of the Dnieper. With the first phase of the war, Putin’s aircraft and ballistic missiles will weaken Ukraine’s military potential across the country.

Russian tank units can cross the border in Luhansk and Kharkiv oblasts and advance to the major cities - Dnipro and Poltava.

“First of all, they will surround the cities and cut off electricity, gas, and food supplies. In a few weeks, the Russians can declare themselves saviours of civilians, invade capitulated cities, and save the Ukrainian population from starvation or death“, - one officer said.

During the third phase, Kyiv will be attacked from the north, including attacks from Belarus.

“Of course, this can happen at the beginning of the war, if circumstances so require”, - the source specified.

Eventually, Russian troops will advance approximately to the Korosten-Uman line to cut off supplies from western Ukraine.

“Then one could expect the capitulation of Kyiv and, consequently, of Ukraine under pressure from the West”, - the source said.

The interlocutors of the German publication believe that Ukraine will not be able to withstand the large invasion of Russia. The armed forces of Ukraine will withdraw to the west of the country, according to the source.

According to another interlocutor of the publication, the anti-tank missiles “Javelin” will not be enough for all the Russian tanks, and “Bayraktar” - “an easy prey for Russian combat aircraft”. The military believes that Western Patriot anti-aircraft missiles and Harpoon anti-ship missiles will be needed to defend Ukraine.

“The allies are now rethinking the supply of weapons to Ukraine. But this decision cannot come from NATO, but only from its sovereign members", - a Western security officer remarked.

The Washington Post, citing intelligence data, reported that 175,000 troops would take part in Russia’s massive military offensive against Ukraine.

“The plans envisage the widespread relocation of 100 battalion tactical groups of about 175,000 personnel, along with armoured vehicles, artillery, and equipment”, - said a spokesperson for the US administration.

Source: The Washington Post