The Ukrainian army has begun conducting so-called "

CNN journalist Jim Sciutto wrote about this on his Twitter page, citing two high-ranking US officials familiar with intelligence data.. He added that Washington is convinced that the long-awaited counteroffensive will include air and ground operations..

“Preparatory operations are a standard military practice that is implemented before the start of an offensive and involves striking weapons, command centers, ammunition depots, and other targets to prepare the battlefield for a planned offensive,” the journalist explained to CNN..

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This work began after six months of war. According to US estimates, Russia's ability to deploy troops on the fronts turned out to be less than expected. An unnamed U.S.

official also told Sciutto that many of Russia's battalion task forces are understrength, and some have only half of what they need.. CNN journalist notes that today the Ukrainian army has demonstrated that it has already begun to implement its plans.

“The Armed Forces of Ukraine launched offensive operations in several directions on the southern front in order to liberate the occupied territories. All details will be available after the operation is completed,"