Zelenskyy warns Russia is preparing new summer offensive
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is preparing to launch another offensive later this summer, Bloomberg reports.
Sources told the outlet that Zelenskyy informed allies that he expects another Russian offensive this summer.
At the same time, the Ukrainian President stressed that Russian forces have so far failed "to make significant gains" and continue to suffer massive losses.
Strengthening Ukraine's air defense
Bloomberg also reported that Ukraine is urging Western allies to accelerate deliveries of air defense systems and interceptor missiles ahead of another winter of intense Russian bombing. This could mark the next critical moment in Kyiv's fight against Russian aggression.
Ukraine is particularly interested in acquiring additional US-made Patriot air defense systems, which remain the only widely produced weapons capable of effectively intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
The outlet noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be counting on the conflict in the Middle East to divert international attention away from Ukraine, which would make the country particularly vulnerable.
Earlier, Zelenskyy said Russia’s political leadership is preparing further offensives and plans to expand mobilization efforts despite enormous battlefield losses.
Ukraine’s intelligence also reported that Russia intends to recruit at least 18,500 foreign nationals into its armed forces this year. Priority is being given to citizens of Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
In addition, Russia continues to use deceptive recruitment tactics in occupied Crimea, promising residents they will serve locally while sending many of them directly to the front lines.
