Putin plans major offensive against Ukraine, new details emerge
Photo: Journalists learned details of Russia's new offensive on Ukraine (illustration/Getty Images)
Russian forces are preparing to launch a new military offensive against Ukraine. Journalists have learned new details, the Associated Press reports.
According to the outlet, by initiating a new offensive on Ukraine, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin aims to increase pressure on Ukraine and strengthen Russia's position in ceasefire negotiations.
"The move could give Russian President Vladimir Putin every reason to delay discussions about pausing the fighting in favor of seeking more land," journalists wrote, citing Ukrainian officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
According to analysts and military commanders cited by the Associated Press, with the approach of the spring fighting season, the Kremlin plans to launch a multi-purpose offensive along the entire 1,000 km front line.
"They are preparing offensive actions on the front that should last from six to nine months, almost all of 2025," Ukrainian military analyst Oleksii Hetman told the outlet.
Russia may shift forces from the Kursk region
Some commanders, with whom the outlet spoke, are also concerned that Russia may redeploy forces from the Kursk region to other areas in eastern Ukraine.
According to two Ukrainian commanders, Russia has intensified reconnaissance missions aimed at detecting and destroying fire positions, drone systems, and other objects that could hinder the upcoming offensive.
"These can be all signs that an attack is being prepared in the near future," Hetman said.
Increased activity near Pokrovsk
Fighting has also intensified near Pokrovsk, one of Ukraine's main defensive strongholds and a key logistical hub in Donetsk region.
"The Russians were significantly exhausted over the past two months. During 10 days of March, they took a sort of pause," said Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Grouping of Troops.
He added that the offensive resumed in mid-March. "This means the Russians have simply recovered," he noted.
Russia's new offensive on Ukraine
Intelligence has detected Russia's preparations for a new offensive in Ukraine. As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously mentioned, the threat is directed at the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Zelenskyy also confirmed that Putin aims to engage in ceasefire negotiations from a stronger position, as he is solely focused on the war.
