Ukrainian intelligence and the military do not exclude the possibility of an attack by Russian troops on the city of Zaporizhzhia, which is only 30 km from the front. This strategically important regional center, one of the three centers of heavy industry in Ukraine, remains critical for the functioning of the country. According to the journalists of The Economist , up to 130,000 Russian soldiers may be sent to Zaporizhzhia, but the exact moment of the start of the offensive is still unknown.
Zaporizhzhia is an important economic and industrial hub for Ukraine. According to journalists, his fascination with Russia could seriously undermine the country's economy, since the city is one of the last centers of heavy industry in Ukraine. At the end of 2022, Vladimir Putin declared the Zaporizhia region "Russian", although at that time the occupiers controlled only a third of it. This move became part of a broader strategy of the Kremlin, which included the annexation of the occupied territories.
Ukraine is actively strengthening its defense positions around Zaporozhye. According to The Economist , fortifications are being built around the city, including minefields and engineering barriers. The military is working on the creation of protective rings diverging from the regional center. As the representative of Ukrainian intelligence noted, these measures increase readiness for a possible offensive, although some military personnel doubt its inevitability.
Oleksiy Khilchenko, commander of the Spartan National Guard brigade, believes that Russia is currently focused on other areas of the front and is not ready to attack Zaporozhye. He emphasized that the first assault with two divisions (20,000–30,000 soldiers) was planned, but part of the troops were redirected towards Kursk to reinforce the counteroffensive in another direction. At the same time, the commander of the "Lemberg" battalion noted that the Russians are not yet ready to strike, but when they are ready, the first strike may be the hardest.
Despite the uncertainty in terms of the Russian offensive, the Ukrainian military is actively strengthening its defenses and preparing for possible attacks. The offensive, when it comes, is expected to be intense and difficult, but is currently complicated by the Kremlin's need to fight on several fronts at once.
