The head of the "Wagner" group warned the Ministry of Defense in writing that the Ukrainian forces were planning a major counterattack that could surround and cut off the mercenary militia units in the Donbass.

- Ukrainian forces are planning a major attack at the end of March or the beginning of April. I ask you to take all necessary measures to prevent the private military group "Wagner" from being cut off from the main body of the Russian army, which would lead to negative consequences for the special military operation - Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a letter to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Prigozhin added that "there is a high probability" that the Ukrainian forces are also planning an attack on Belgorod, on the territory of Russia, as part of the new offensive, but did not release details.

Western analysts estimate that the purpose of the letter is to shift the responsibility to Shoigu and the ministry for a possible defeat at the front.