Ukraine expects panic from the Russian command when the alleged Ukrainian counteroffensive begins, Deputy Defense Minister Volodymyr Gavrilov told the British newspaper The Independent.

Gavrilov considered the possibility that events this month or next could lead to the rapid collapse of Russia’s military strategy, army or economy.

The official noted that Ukraine’s defense of Bakhmut is a “key moment” in Ukraine’s preparation for a counteroffensive and portends a military disaster for Russia.

However, in November, Gavrilov made overly optimistic forecasts when he said that Ukrainian troops could enter Crimea in December, and the war would end by the spring of 2023, Kyiv Independent reports.

According to confidential US intelligence documents, Washington considers it unlikely that Russia’s war against Ukraine will end in 2023.