Russia plans to increase attacks, US considers sending more military advisers to Ukraine

Citing four unnamed US officials familiar with the matter, Politico reported that the additional forces would primarily provide logistical support and monitor weapons sent to Ukraine by the US. They would also assist the Ukrainian military in maintaining the weapons.

There is no confirmation yet on how many more advisers the US will send to Ukraine, but two officials revealed the number could be as high as 60.

In a statement to Business Insider, Major General Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said: "During this conflict, the Department of Defense always reviews and adjusts the troop presence in Ukraine based on evolving security conditions. We are considering sending additional advisors to augment the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) at the Embassy. ODC performs a variety of non-combat advisory and support missions. This unit is housed at the US Embassy."

For its part, Russia has repeatedly warned the West not to send troops to Ukraine.

After French President Emmanuel Macron said in February that sending NATO ground forces to Ukraine could not be ruled out, Russian President Vladimir Putin made his position clear, saying the consequences could be tragic.

Information about considering sending additional military forces to Ukraine was announced in the context of the US House of Representatives on April 20 passing a bill to send more than 60 billion USD in additional aid to Ukraine.

Russia is now likely to intensify its attacks on Ukraine to take full advantage of unusually dry spring weather and Ukraine's persistent weapons shortages, the Institute for the Study of War said in an updated report on the conflict.

“The Russian military command will likely increase offensive operations as well as missile and drone strikes to create significant frontline impacts that will certainly be more difficult to achieve with adequate Ukrainian weapons,” the report said.

The Institute for the Study of War points out that Russia is likely to target areas where Ukraine's defenses appear relatively vulnerable, such as west of Avdiivka or near Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region.