 The Ukrainian military on June 4 renewed its plea for operational silence around a long-awaited counteroffensive against Russian forces, the latest in a stream of messages by Kiev as it prepares for the assault. Anticipation has mounted around what is expected to be a broad attack by Ukrainian forces to retake Russian-occupied territory in the east and south. But Ukrainian officials have repeatedly discouraged public speculation over the operation, saying it could help the enemy. These in recent days have also cracked down on citizens sharing images or footage of air defense systems shooting down Russian missiles. Plans love silence. There will be no announcement of the start, the ministry said in a video posted to official telegram channels, apparently referring to the counteroffensive.