Recent statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlight the current limitations faced by Russian military forces in Ukraine. According to Zelensky, Russian troops are unable to advance using heavy equipment and are instead resorting to infiltration tactics with small groups.
Zelensky noted that the anticipated spring offensive by Russian forces has largely stalled. He remarked, “The spring campaign, as planned, has drowned in this spring. They have not been able to advance. They are conducting offensive actions, but they are all the same—attempts at infiltration and similar tactics. They cannot break through with equipment; we are destroying it.”
The President emphasized that there is no large-scale operation underway by Russian forces, although they continue to attempt penetration tactics and regular assaults across various sections of the front. However, he stated that Ukrainian forces are effectively countering these efforts.
Among the reasons for the failure of the Russian offensive, Zelensky pointed to successful Ukrainian operations in Kupiansk in 2025 and recent actions in southern Ukraine. He explained that Russian troops have begun moving forces from the Donetsk direction to the south due to fears that Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) would advance beyond a key 430-kilometer line.
Despite these setbacks, Zelensky cautioned that Russia has not abandoned its plans for aggression. He indicated that there are reports of continued Russian attempts to conduct offensive operations in the Zaporizhzhia, Pokrovsk, and Huliaipole directions.
“All of this will persist. After Kupiansk, they will retreat and again seek to regain control over Kupiansk. These are absolutely clear matters. What is happening in Sumy and Chernihiv regions is merely a demonstration; they currently lack the forces there. They have shifted all resources to Donbas, and then from Donbas to Huliaipole, to the south. For now, this is the situation,” Zelensky added.
He also mentioned that intelligence has shown him Russian maps indicating their objectives for 2026-2027, marked in red. This suggests that Russia has no intentions of halting the war. Zelensky remarked, “Why do we react to statements from various leaders that Putin wants to end the war? He does not want to. Otherwise, his maps would look different. Funding should be directed towards enhancing infrastructure, not increasing missile production.”
In related developments, it has been reported that Russian forces have intensified their offensive actions in certain areas of the front in recent weeks. Notably, there has been a significant increase in attacks in the Zaporizhzhia direction, where the intensity of assaults has occasionally surpassed that of the Pokrovsk area, one of the most active fronts.
According to DeepState, Russian command is also reorganizing forces and replenishing reserves. Analysts suggest that these actions may be linked to changing weather conditions and the emergence of dense vegetation, which could affect combat tactics on the front lines.
Ukrainian President Zelensky reports that Russian military operations are currently limited, with a focus on infiltration tactics rather than large-scale offensives. Despite setbacks, Russia continues to plan for further aggression in various regions of Ukraine.