In the United States, a warning has been issued about a new potential offensive by Russia: analysts and military assessments indicate preparations for an escalation of hostilities on an even larger scale
According to information disseminated by CNN, citing high-ranking officials in the American administration, Russian forces, concentrated along the frontline, are actively mobilizing for a possible large-scale attack aimed at capturing additional Ukrainian territories. The source reports that Russian commanders are seeking to assemble sizable forces, with plans focusing on intensifying fighting precisely in eastern Ukraine. According to U.S. officials, Putin and his military leadership have learned from previous failures and are now apparently intent on a more ambitious offensive, which could involve the capture of even greater portions of Ukrainian land, up to the outskirts of Kyiv. "Putin will do his best to achieve maximum — whether small or large — room for maneuver. His goal is to expand control over Ukrainian territories as much as possible, regardless of whether these are eastern regions or other parts of the country," stated one American military analyst. U.S. intelligence assessments suggest that key factors deterring Russian ambitions are Ukrainian drone capabilities and extensive minefields, which impose clear restrictions on the Russian enemy despite Russia's significant numerical superiority. In eastern Ukraine and in the Russian Kursk region, Ukrainian forces are holding their positions, demonstrating the ability to resist Russian offensive operations even as Russia concentrates additional forces. However, Ukrainian troops have long been facing severe shortages of personnel and technical support, complicating their ability to defend and respond to new challenges. On the other hand, within the Kremlin, there remains tension regarding the capacity to replenish Russian troops in Ukraine after major losses in recent battles. According to U.S. officials, North Korea is not expected to substantially increase its military contingent in Ukraine due to recent heavy losses. Nonetheless, analysts note that U.S. reports over the past few weeks have consistently observed an increase in Russian military presence near the Ukrainian front, a trend that does not indicate a quick decline in activity. At the same time, Russia's military goals remain unchanged — the desire to seize additional Ukrainian territories, including strategically important regions, has not significantly shifted from previous assessments. This is despite calls from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration for the Kremlin to adhere to a 30-day ceasefire and to begin genuine diplomatic negotiations to resolve the conflict. Military analysts warn that Moscow will likely pursue the maximum realization of its objectives in silence and that it is not directly prepared to make diplomatic concessions. Currently, the situation on the battlefield remains tense: Ukrainian forces observe Russian forces relocating significant reserves and equipment to areas several dozen kilometers from the front line. This raises suspicions that the Kremlin is preparing for a new large-scale phase of fighting, with prospects far exceeding their previous operations. Meanwhile, diplomatic circles and international diplomatic efforts are preparing for a possible meeting in Turkey. Reports suggest that Ukrainian and Russian officials are preparing for negotiations; however, Turkish sources, according to the Foreign Ministry, have not yet scheduled a specific date for the meeting. There have been media reports about an allegedly planned meeting on May 15, but there is no confirmation at this time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after arriving at Ankara Airport, underscored that the final decision regarding further diplomatic steps would be made after consultations with Turkish President Erdoğan. Kyiv continues to emphasize that any decision to begin negotiations depends on the situation on the battlefield and the readiness of the parties to compromise. At the same time, officials from Turkey repeatedly highlight the importance of maintaining a neutral stance and mediating to resolve the conflict; however, the search for diplomatic solutions is still ongoing.