Ukraine made no immediate comment on the attack, which would be one of its deepest and most daring strikes into Russia.

If confirmed, the rotation of forces would mark a major shift, making units under the Russian military’s regular command responsible for holding the city – and allowing Wagner leader Yevgeniy Prigozhin to pull away.

Local officials in Ukraine’s capital say Kyiv has been subjected to the largest drone attack since the start of Russia’s war as the city prepared to mark the anniversary of its founding

The recent warm, dry weather in southern Ukraine has raised expectations that the spring counterattack could begin soon – or may already be underway.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the allies recognize that in addition to training, Ukraine will also need to be able to sustain and maintain the aircraft and have enough munitions.

Ukraine’s deputy defense minister said Thursday that regular Russian troops had replaced Wagner units in the suburbs but that Wagner fighters remained inside the city.

Analysts believe many of those killed in the 9-month fight for Bakhmut were Russian convicts with little military training.

The militias, called the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Legion of Free Russia, are composed of ethnic Russian fighters, including Russian citizens, who oppose Putin and say they are working to ‘liberate’ their homeland.