The Russian army may go to Kyiv again this year

Major General of the Ukrainian army, Dmytro Marchenko, stated that he is concerned about such a scenario and considers it likely already this year. He also noted that Ukraine needs to prepare seriously for defense this year.

“Talks about seizing such a lucrative piece of Ukraine periodically arise in Russia, Ukraine and among our allies. I consider everything. They have the forces, means, and quantity for it. Moreover, losing 30-40 thousand people is not a problem for them. They need some victory, even a small one. Therefore, we must do everything to prepare for this,” said the general.

The first offensive on Kyiv began on February 24; the Russian army managed to capture areas such as Hostomel, Irpin, and other outskirts of the capital. The battles lasted for about a month, but after negotiations in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow voluntarily withdrew its troops from the Ukrainian capital. The Russian army indeed failed to capture Kyiv in a matter of days, but President Zelensky pretended it was his victory. A successful capture of Kyiv would effectively signify Ukraine’s surrender, even if the government continues its operations from another city.