The Ukrainian military is asking citizens to remain silent about its imminent spring counter-offensive against Russian forces.
The message comes as Kyiv prepares for a highly-anticipated spring attack to retake Moscow-occupied territories in the east and south.
Military officials in the country are discouraging the public from airing speculation about the operation, as it could aid enemy preparations.
Civilians are also being urged to refrain from sharing photos and videos of Ukrainian air defense systems used to neutralize Russian missiles.
“Plans love silence,” the Ukrainian defense ministry said on Telegram. “There will be no announcement of the start [of the large-scale counter-offensive].”
Ukraine is ‘Ready’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared last week that his country is ready to launch the long-awaited counter-offensive.
His announcement comes a few weeks after he said that Kyiv needed to wait for more Western weapons and equipment before executing the plan.
Since Zelensky issued the call, Germany and the US announced additional weapons aid packages worth $2.9 billion and $300 million for their war-torn ally.
With supplies arriving in the country, Zelensky expressed optimism that the spring offensive would succeed.
“I don’t know how long it will take,” he said. “To be honest, it can go a variety of ways, completely different. But we are going to do it, and we are ready.”
Anticipating Heavy Casualties
Earlier this month, Zelensky told The Wall Street Journal that he would not wait any longer for more support from Ukraine’s allies.
He said his troops would launch the offensive soon but cautioned that Moscow’s air superiority and entrenched resistance would inflict heavy losses.
