Vladimir Putin gears up to unleash 'catastrophic' blow in quest for victory
Sergey Lavrov said the Kremlin tyrant plans to create a "demilitarised zone" in Ukraine, to protect Russia's border region from Kyiv's attacks.
Vladimir Putin is set to give the green light to a major military offensive that could land a catastrophic blow on Ukrainian morale and lead to Russian victory on the battlefield.
The Kremlin's army has stepped up its attacks all along the frontlines, as it smells blood.
Zelensky's troops are suffering from a chronic lack of ammunition, and are being outgunned 10 to one in some areas.
The Ukrainians have had to cede territory to their bitter foes throughout the winter and are now preparing for a major Russian onslaught in the summer.
Although Congress agreed a new military aid package for beleaguered Kyiv over the weekend, the weapons may not come soon enough to prevent the Kremlin boss from securing his conquest.
In an interview, Russia's Foreign Secretary hinted at the Kremlin's next target on the battlefield.
Sergey Lavrov said the Kremlin tyrant plans to create a "demilitarised zone" in Ukraine, to protect Russia's border region from Kyiv's attacks.
The long serving Putin apparatchik strongly hinted where Russia's army was planning to strike.
"Putin said this very clearly when asked how we can make our country safe," he said.
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"We have to move back the line from which they can hit us. I understand that Kharkiv plays an important role here.”
Kharkiv lies a mere 18 miles from Russia's border and has suffered daily bombardments since the start of the war.
Putin's generals have targeted Ukraine's second largest city with a lethal mix of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles.
Many Western security analysts believe the city is a tempting target for the Kremlin boss and his top brass.
General Sir Richard Barrons told the BBC: "I think the (Russian) offensive this year will have breaking out of the Donbas as its first objective, and their eye will be on Kharkiv which is 29km [18 miles] or so from the Russian border, a major prize."
Although analysts believe Ukraine can still function if it loses Kharkiv, its capture would be a catastrophic blow to both its morale and its economy.
General Barrons, the former head of the UK's Joint Forces Command, suggested that many Ukrainians might conclude they cannot win if the city falls.
