Russia is preparing for a “massive new attack” in just seven days, Ukraine’s top spy chiefs have warned, writes The Sun.

It comes as Vladimir Putin masses up to 500,000 soldiers amid fears he is planning a new onslaught on Ukraine to mark the first anniversary of the war. Ukrainian defenders are bracing for a fresh assault that could include 1,800 tanks, 3,950 armoured vehicles, 400 fighter jets and 300 helicopters incoming from Russia.

Oleksiy Danilov, Ukraine’s Secretary of the National Security Council, believes Putin could unleash the new offensive on either February 23 or 24. But he insisted the country is “ready” and will be able to “cope”.

He told the My-Ukraine TV channel: “You and I started saying that they are preparing and will try to make another attempt at a massive attack on February 23-24. You need to be calm about this. We are ready for it. I think we already understand what attacks are, after receiving 115-120 rockets in one day. We will cope with this day as well. Yes, it will be difficult, but we will all get through”.

It comes amid fears Russia could now use fighter jet raids to kill Ukrainian troops massing on the ground for a potential offensive.