Ukraine is on high alert as it prepares for the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion.
Reports suggest that Russia is pouring in reinforcements for an offensive that could begin as early as next week.
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has assured the nation that they are prepared to withstand any pressure that comes their way but acknowledges the difficult and fierce battles in the Donetsk region.
Amidst this, Ukraine's defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, is to be replaced by Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of the GUR Military Intelligence Agency.
Budanov's meteoric rise among the ranks and his decorated background, mostly kept secret, is under question as he is expected to take on the role.
Ukraine is preparing for a possible Russian offensive as Russia's invasion nears the one-year mark.
Reports suggest that Russia is pouring in reinforcements for an offensive that could begin as early as next week.
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has acknowledged the difficult and fierce battles in the Donetsk region, stating "no matter how hard it is and no matter how much pressure there is, we have to withstand it.
" Amidst this, Ukraine's defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, is to be replaced by Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of the GUR Military Intelligence Agency.
There are questions about Budanov's rapid rise and his decorated background, which remains largely hidden from the public.
Meanwhile, Russia's state Investigative Committee is examining the alleged use of chemical weapons in eastern Ukraine by Ukrainian forces, a claim that Ukrainian forces have denied.