The Pentagon warned on Monday that Russia would send supplies and troop reinforcements to launch a major offensive into the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine at any time.

US Department of Defense spokesman John Kirby said at a news conference that there is an influx of artillery equipment, helicopter support and other items to facilitate Russian command and control operations in the Donbas.

“We believe they have increased the number of battalion tactical groups in eastern and southern Ukraine,” Kirby said. Said.

Battalion tactical groups are typical of the Russian Armed Forces and are units of 600 to 800 soldiers with a high level of readiness for high-intensity combat with different types of weapons.

Kirby noted that in recent days, Russia has deployed more than 10 new battalion tactical groups in eastern Ukraine.

“We continue to see an intensification of bombing and artillery attacks in the Donbas and the south, especially around Mariupol,” the spokesperson said, noting that the Ukrainians continue to resist in this city.

Despite preparations to focus his attack on Donbas, Kirby reminded that this part of Ukraine has been the scene of conflict for the past eight years and in recent days.

In fact, the US spokesperson claimed that the Ukrainians had made some progress in the Donbas and managed to “secure” several places.

“We believe the Russians are shaping and determining the conditions for future offensive operations,” he said.