Tensions rise as Ukraine prepares to attack Russian forces in Crimea.

The Russian-installed head of Crimea has warned that Moscow has assembled "more than enough" troops ahead of an anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive. Russian forces in Crimea have built "modern, in-depth defenses" and are prepared for a spring counteroffensive as Ukraine teases the assault. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his intention to take back the Crimean peninsula, which was illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Military analysts have predicted Kyiv will take advantage of less severe winter weather with spring fast approaching and take on Russia with new batches of armored vehicles from Western allies.