Ukraine could launch a counteroffensive on May 9, when Russia celebrates Victory Day over Nazi Germany, warned Andriy Marotsyko, a representative of the authorities installed by Moscow in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR) in eastern Ukraine, which it annexed. Tuesday, together with the other three Ukrainian regions – Donetsk from the east, as well as Kherson and Zaporizhzhia from the south – crossed the borders of Russia in September, reports EFE.

“For this weekend, favorable weather conditions are expected, which will allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to fully use the equipment and weapons provided by NATO countries,” said Andriy Marotsiko, lieutenant colonel (reserve) of the separatist militia from Luhansk. cites the official TASS news agency.

“With a high degree of probability, the enemy will try to overshadow the Victory Day celebration,” he added.

Currently, Marochiko noted, Ukrainian forces are stockpiling weapons and equipment and forming strike groups for “major counter-offensive actions.”

“Thus, at the end of the current week – at the beginning of next week, there is a high probability of the resumption of the active phase of Ukraine’s offensive actions,” he emphasized.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Friday that preparations for Ukraine’s counteroffensive have entered the final phase.

“In general, we are ready,” Reznikov said in a statement quoted by Ukrinform.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s ground forces commander Oleksandr Sirskyi revisited troops fighting in the besieged city of Bakhmut in Donetsk region (eastern Ukraine) on Tuesday, just hours after he announced that the Ukrainians had taken action. Several counterattacks, which would force the Russians to “abandon some positions” in Bakhmut, according to EFE and Reuters.

“We continue to conduct the operation of defense and deterrence of the enemy in the east,” Syrskyi said on his Telegram channel, in which he also reported that he had met with the commanders responsible for the battles in the Bakhmut area.

“Our commanders and soldiers are the heroes of our time, they thwart the enemy’s plans every day,” he said in a press release, praising the dedication and professionalism of the Ukrainian military in Bakhmut.

During the visit to this area, Sirsky discussed with the military how to “inflict maximum losses on the enemy” and continue to “ensure effective defense” of the part of the city that is still under Ukrainian control.

Ukrainian counterattacks have forced Russian forces to retreat from some positions in the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut, but the situation remains “difficult,” General Sirsky said on Monday after visiting Bakhmut on Sunday, Reuters reported. .

He added that new Russian units, including paratroopers and fighters from Wagner’s mercenary group, despite heavy losses, “continually rush into battle.”

“But the enemy is unable to take control of the city,” Sirsky said.

Russian forces have made steady progress in Bakhmut, but a Kiev military spokesman said on Sunday that it was still possible to supply Ukrainian forces with food, ammunition and medicine.