Russia is gearing up for a spring offensive in Ukraine, focusing on the heavily defended 'Fortress Belt' in Donetsk. Experts believe the region could serve as a strategic hub for further operations.

Russia's spring offensive in Ukraine is expected to focus on the so-called "Fortress Belt" ​of heavily defended cities in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, which Moscow has repeatedly demanded Kyiv relinquish in return for peace. Speaking on FRANCE 24, retired Vice Admiral of the US Navy Robert B Murrett, says that the region is "a veritable highway for any army that wanted to conduct operations further into Ukraine and beyond".