Russia's next move: Fears grow of new offensive Putin may be planning for Ukraine
Are the rumours true that Russia is planning a major counter-offensive against Ukraine later this year?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated his belief that an attack is planned in either May or June, and as Russia begins launching more ferocious attacks more often it is possible that his fears are well founded.
But what evidence is there that the Russian armed forces are planning another offensive?
Journalist Tom Mutch, who is embedded with Ukraine's 57th Brigade on the eastern front, has said the rumours that the Russians might be preparing for a bigger offensive could be true.
"They were saying look, the Russians have kept a lot of troops and armoured vehicles in reserve here," he said.
"So, they were saying, effectively, you know, we think that they're getting ready for a much bigger push.
"Now, the thing is the weather in Ukraine over the last month hasn't been great, the grounds are muddy, but we're just getting to the season now where the grounds are firming out and hardening and if you wanted to make any mechanised push, you really could."
Where Russia's offensive could start is anyone's guess, however, the most likely locations seem to be along this eastern front near Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Donetsk.
Head of Ukrainian intelligence Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov said he expects Russia will attempt to push in the Donbas to take Chasiv Yar and the town of Pokrovsk, northwest of Avdiivka.
It is also plausible that an attack may occur through the south and reinforce the supply lines to Crimea, or towards Kharkhiv in the north.
Furthermore, Russia has increased pressure on the Ukrainian frontline by launching battalion-sized mechanised assaults against key locations including near Tonenke and Avdiivka.
The Kremlin has also pushed its forces towards Chasiv Yar to the west of Bakhmut and seems to be targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure through missile and drone strikes.
Russia may also smell the blood in the water as Ukraine is known to be suffering from shortages of military aid, and ammunition, particularly artillery rounds.
Mr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine could lose the war if aid for his nation doesn't continue to arrive.
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