Ukraine says war with Russia enters “new stage”
- 5 May, 10:25
Ukrainian President Voldoymyr Zelenskiy has said that the war with Russia is entering “a new stage” as the Kremlin seeks to expand the offensive. Zelenskiy made the remarks during a meeting with border guards in Khmelnytskyi region on May 3.
"The invader is now preparing to expand its offensive. And all of us - Ukrainians, soldiers, state, partners – have to do everything to disrupt Russia's offensive plan," the Ukrainian leader said.
Zelensky’s statement about a possible Russian offensive comes amidst a worsening situation on the battlefield. Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, anticipates a renewed Russian offensive in late spring or early summer, with the focus on the eastern Donbas region.
Russia is likely attempting to seize as much territory as possible before the impact of the recently passed US aid bill for Ukraine can be realized on the battlefield.
Chasiv Yar, a town in the Donetsk Oblast, remains a key target for Russia as it would allow for further advances towards the nearby cities of Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk, according to Ukraine’s Ground Forces Commander, Oleksandr Pavliuk.
Russia’s goal is to fully occupy the Donetsk, Luhansk, and, if possible, Zaporizhzhia regions in 2024, as per Pavliuk.
Additionally, Russia is likely preparing for an offensive around the northeastern Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, as stated by Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraine’s military intelligence.
