Ukrainian forces dug in while Russia lined up more firepower and tapped a general as war commander ahead of an expected showdown in eastern Ukraine that could become decisive in a conflict that has flattened cities, killed untold thousands and isolated Moscow economically and politically.
Experts say a full-scale offensive in the east could start within days, though questions remained about the ability of Russia’s depleted and demoralized forces to conquer much ground after Ukraine’s determined defenders repelled their push to capture the capital, Kyiv.
Britain’s Defense Ministry reported Sunday that Russia’s armed forces were trying to compensate for mounting casualties by recalling personnel discharged in the past decade. The bulk of Ukraine’s military forces are in the east; estimates vary, but they are believed to number in the tens of thousands.
Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official said Russia has appointed Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, one of its most seasoned military chiefs, to command the armed
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