Translated with AI
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian armed forces intend to conduct offensive operations in three key areas in the coming months. He told reporters on Tuesday, citing Ukrainian intelligence data.
According to the Ukrainian leader, this concerns the Zaporizhzhia, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlovka directions, where troop groups are expected to be reinforced following the redeployment of forces from the Sumy direction.
"According to our intelligence, Russia plans to redeploy approximately 30,000 troops previously deployed in the Sumy area to reinforce other fronts. An additional 15,000 personnel will be sent to the Zaporizhzhia area, approximately 7,000 to the Pokrovsk area, and approximately 5,000 to the Novopavlivske area," Zelenskyy noted.
The head of state clarified that these groups would include the "strongest" Russian brigades previously deployed in the Kursk sector. He emphasized that Russian troops could be ready for active operations in these sectors of the front as early as September, and with additional forces by November.
According to Zelenskyy, the offensive plans were drawn up a year ago, but their implementation was delayed due to the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region. "We believe that all three of these directions existed a year ago, and they are operating according to the same plans and maps," he said.
Touching on possible negotiations to end the conflict, Zelenskyy stated that he opposes a bilateral format between the US and Russia without Ukraine's participation. "Any negotiations on Ukraine's future must take place in a trilateral format. Without our participation, they will be null and void," he emphasized.
The president also rejected proposals for territorial exchanges, particularly in Donbas. He stated that the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the region would create the threat of renewed aggression and could lead to a resumption of hostilities.
Zelenskyy reported that during a recent phone call with former US President Donald Trump, as well as with several European leaders, a signal was first made about Russia's possible readiness for a ceasefire. According to him, Trump's envoy, Stephen Witkoff, conveyed information that Moscow is ready to either end military action or take the first step in a ceasefire.
At the same time, the Ukrainian president stated that territorial issues are not subject to discussion in such negotiations. "I am not prepared to discuss Ukraine's territory, as this is a matter of our Constitution. This is a serious issue that is resolved at the leadership level, not in phone conversations," he emphasized.
Bloomberg previously reported that Washington and Moscow are considering a ceasefire agreement that would consolidate Russia's control over Crimea and the entire Donbas region. In exchange, Moscow could abandon its offensive in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions along the current front line.
