Putin preparing new onslaught in Donbas, warns Zelensky

Ukraine's president warned Russian troops are regrouping in preparation for a renewed assault in the east Thursday, as he dismissed Kremlin promises to scale back attacks on the capital Kyiv. With shelling of Kyiv and Chernigiv continuing despite a Russian vow to "reduce" military activity by "a large margin," Volodymyr Zelensky told his war-torn nation to brace for a new Russian onslaught in the eastern Donbas region. "We don't believe anyone, not a single beautiful phrase," Zelensky said in a late-night video message. "There is an accumulation of Russian troops for new strikes in Donbas and we are preparing for it." "We will fight for every metre of our land," he said. In five weeks of brutal fighting Russian forces have been humbled by dogged Ukrainian resistance, and forced to rethink any ambitions to sack the capital or overthrow the democratically elected government. Western intelligence agencies have been keen to underscore Russia's military failings and to push suggestions that President Vladimir Putin is being misled by his own fearful advisors about battlefield reverses. "We've seen Russian soldiers — short of weapons and morale — refusing to carry out orders, sabotaging their own equipment and even accidentally shooting down their own aircraft," Britain's GCHQ spy agency chief Jeremy Fleming on Thursday, after similar claims from the White House. Citing U.S. intelligence, White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said Putin "felt misled by the Russian military." The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know Explore the intricate world of global politics with The Sun's reporting and in-depth analysis. We’ll bring you crucial updates on international relations, major events, and political shifts impacting nations worldwide. Follow the actions of key world leaders, major international organisations and the unfolding dynamics of global power. Our coverage includes the war in Ukraine, the deadly situation in the Middle East and the complex relationship between global superpowers. Subscribe now for essential insights into global politics. The Sun brings you breaking news and in-depth analysis on the stories that matter most. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to conflicts in the Middle East and US and UK politics, we post updates as they happen. Expect the latest on major global events, pressing political debates, celebrity updates and exclusive royal family content, along with in-depth investigations and expert commentary. Get comprehensive coverage of Donald Trump's Presidency, Vladimir Putin's actions, and the unfolding drama of the British Royal Family. Subscribe now for daily updates and exclusive content from The Sun. https://www.youtube.com/c/thesun?sub_... Read The Sun: https://bit.ly/3Tay1OY Like The Sun on Facebook:   / thesun   Follow The Sun on TikTok:   / ucizxayrp7-p0anpq-nd-h5g   Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat:   / 1633225139