‘Could reach Kyiv’: Russia may plan a new large-scale summer offensive across the entire front – Financial Times

Russia may be planning a new large-scale offensive across the entire front line, possibly targeting areas near Kyiv, during the summer.

Ukrainian forces anonymously conveyed this information to the Financial Times.

The objective would be the complete seizure of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. However, experts believe that neither side has the “prospects for an operational breakthrough” this year.

In response, Ukraine is shifting to a strategy of “active defense,” aiming to hold positions while identifying weak points and conducting long-range air strikes. This approach is intended to allow Ukraine to “build up its forces” this year and prepare for 2025 when a “counteroffensive would have a better chance.”

The West supports such a strategy. It is argued that a passive defense without local counterattacks would cede the initiative to Russia, enabling Putin to “demonstrate to the world that Ukraine cannot win the war.”

Key to Ukraine’s success will be Western support. However, even if the White House reaches an agreement with Congress, it is unlikely to offer a leap in capabilities and technologies that would decisively give Ukraine the advantage this year.