Russia may be planning a new large-scale offensive along the entire front line and possibly near Kyiv for the summer. Ukrainian law enforcement officers anonymously told the Financial Times.
The goal will be to completely capture Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Although experts believe that neither side has "prospects for an operational breakthrough" this year.
In this regard, Ukraine is switching to an "active defense" strategy - holding positions with the search for weak points and conducting long-range air strikes. This should allow Ukraine to "build up its forces" this year and prepare for 2025, "when a counteroffensive would have more chances."
This strategy is supported by the West.
It is suggested that a blanket defense without local counterattacks will give the initiative to Russia and allow Putin to "demonstrate to the world that Ukraine cannot win the war."
Western support will be key for Ukraine, but "even if the White House strikes a deal with Congress, it is unlikely to offer the kind of leap in capabilities and technology that would allow Ukraine to decisively regain its advantage this year."
A Western official who deals with politics regarding Ukraine anonymously told the publication that "we are confident that the Ukrainians have what they need (to hold their positions)."
