(Reuters) – Russian forces have launched a new offensive along the majority of Ukraine’s east flank, and “Battle of Donbass” is now underway, according to Volodymr Zelenskiy, President of Ukraine and other senior officials.

The Ukrainian army is bracing itself for another Russian invasion on its eastern flank ever since Moscow withdrew troops from Ukraine’s north and Kyiv last month to make way for an attack in Donbas, Ukraine.

Zelenskiy, in a video address stated that Russian forces now have the Battle of Donbass started. This is something they’ve long been preparing for.

Ukraine Security Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov stated in televised remarks: “They [Russian forces] began their attempt at starting the active phase today.

He said, “This morning the occupiers tried to penetrate our defenses along nearly the whole front line of (eastern), Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv areas.”

Russia is increasing its presence in Ukraine’s east using the troops it took out of Ukraine’s northern and neighboring Belarus. Russia is a close Russian allies.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces Command posted on Facebook (NASDAQ) that Russia’s primary military force is focusing on taking control over the entire Donetsk, Luhansk areas that form the vast area of land called the Donbas.

“The war is now in its second phase… “The second phase of the war has begun…believe in our army. It is very powerful,” Andriy Yarmak, the chief of staff for the Ukrainian president, said via the Telegram messaging platform.

Russia’s military reinforcements set the stage to an ongoing battle. Military analysts believe that both sides will suffer heavy losses as they attempt to control the Ukrainian fighters who have been fighting for the Donbass.