Ukraine's defense minister is sounding the alarm about a major offensive that Russia may be planning to launch against his country. He says Russia's forces are going to try something around February 24, the anniversary of the invasion.

Oleksii Reznikov was interviewed by a local television station in France on Wednesday.

He said Ukraine never underestimates Russia's forces.

Reznikov noted that Moscow announced the mobilization of 300,000 reserves. But he said that, judging by the number of Russian troops seen at the border, Ukrainian analysts believe the figure is a lot higher.

The defense minister said Russia may have mobilized about 500,000 troops.

He went on to say that Ukraine and its partners must prepare to conduct a counteroffensive as soon as possible.

The defense minister stressed that Ukraine needs weapons to contain Russia's forces. He urged the countries that are supporting his nation to quickly provide military assistance.