Putin Strategizing New Offensive, Says Ukraine National Security Chief: 'They Need...Something To Show Before Their People'

Ukraine‘s national security chief said Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning a new offensive in northeastern Kharkiv or southern Zaporizhzhia regions. 

What Happened: Oleksiy Danilov said Ukraine expects Russia to broaden its war offensive with a big push as Feb. 24 — the first anniversary of the invasion — approaches.

“They need to have something to show before their people, and have a major desire to do something big, as they see it, by this date,” Danilov told Reuters on Tuesday in an interview.

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Danilov said Putin has focused lately on the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine and would try new attacks on Kharkiv or Zaporizhzhia. “How successful they’ll be will depend on us,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to be in London on Wednesday — marking his second trip abroad since Russia's invasion of his country began in February last year. 

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U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed Zelenskyy would visit the Ukrainian soldiers training in Britain and address the British parliament.

“President Zelenskyy’s visit to the U.K. is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries,” Sunak said in the statement.

Zelenskyy visited Washington in December and addressed the U.S. Congress. 

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