Russia preparing offensive in three directions – Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Russian forces are preparing offensive operations in three directions, redeploying troops from other areas, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
"They are preparing for an offensive operation, we believe, in three directions. The main directions are Zaporizhzhia, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka. We believe that about 15,000 additional troops will be sent to the Zaporizhzhia direction, about 7,000 to Pokrovsk, and possibly 5,000 to Novopavlivka — we consider this direction the third in priority," the president explained.
At the same time, he noted that out of the 53,000 Russian troops currently in the Sumy direction, about 30,000 may be redeployed to these three directions.
"We believe this is the main source of their forces — these are their strongest brigades stationed in the Kursk direction, and they will be moved. We believe they will do everything to prepare for offensive actions after the 15th," Zelenskyy emphasized.
The Ukrainian president pointed out that, in his opinion, the Russian military will already be ready with these brigades by September, and with the additional forces, they could be ready by November.
"All these three directions existed a year ago, and they are acting according to the same plans and maps. This offensive mission toward Zaporizhzhia and Pokrovsk was delayed for a year due to the Kursk operation. We are seeing exactly the same thing — the same steps and the buildup of the number of troops they need," he stressed.
Zelenskyy explained that a year ago, the Russian military began acting in exactly the same way, but due to the Kursk operation, they started redeploying troops there because they feared that Ukrainian forces would advance deeper into Russia — which is what happened.
"Across all directions throughout this month, they will try to demonstrate some kind of advance in order to put political pressure on Ukraine, seeking certain concessions. And to prepare for what I have mentioned. I specifically want them to know that we understand this, and that our military will be preparing for it," the president concluded.
Russian offensive actions
Earlier today, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukraine's Defense Forces are taking effective measures to halt the advance of Russian forces in the Dobropillia and Pokrovsk directions.
More details on the situation across all sectors of the front can be found in the General Staff's update.
