Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to prepare a new offensive in Ukraine in February-March, despite previous failures on the front, writes Bloomberg, citing sources close to the Kremlin. The magazine said Moscow wants to show its forces can regain the initiative after months of setbacks, putting pressure on Kyiv and its allies to agree to some sort of truce that would leave Russia in control of the occupied territory.

Putin remains confident that Russia's strength and willingness to accept casualties – already tens of thousands, more than in any conflict since World War II – will enable victory despite past setbacks. The renewed offensive could begin as early as February or March, people close to the Kremlin say.

Their comments confirm warnings from Ukraine and its allies that a new Russian offensive is coming and suggest it could begin before Kyiv receives promised deliveries of US and European tanks. Putin's determination heralds another deadly escalation of the war, as Kyiv also prepares an offensive, rejecting any ceasefire that would allow Russia to seize territory.

"So the Russian army has suffered unbearable defeats and is on the verge of collapse, but Putin is not interested in that. He wants to move on and his next step could be fatal," the text states.