Russia is not giving up attempts to regain control over the territories that Ukrainian troops liberated during counteroffensives. Today, the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions are at the center of the potential threat, as stated on Ukrainian Radio by the head of the Council of Reservists of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ivan Tymochko. According to him, these regions may become the main directions of the enemy's next offensive.
Tymochko draws attention to the fact that Russian troops are already actively “probing” the front line near Hulyaipol and Orekhov. At the same time, Russia is trying to adapt new tactics of fighting, trying to find weaknesses in the Ukrainian defense. However, according to him, it is premature to talk about the possibility of a breakthrough in depth. Ukrainian forces have well fortified these areas.
Tymochko paid special attention to Energodar. The city remains important both strategically and in propaganda terms. The Russian Federation seeks to maintain its presence by demonstrating “control” over the nuclear power plant and part of the southern bridgehead. It is also a key element of the land corridor connecting Crimea with the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk region and directly with Russia.
"The Zaporizhia direction, in particular the Orikhiv direction, once became one of the main theaters of hostilities in the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Now it has turned into a literally "concreted" section of the front. It will be extremely difficult to conduct an operation there with the available forces," emphasizes Tymochko.
At the same time, he notes that intelligence records enemy activity: moving forces closer to the front line, pulling up reserves. This indicates preparation for more active actions, but for now - within the tactical level.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) also confirms: Russia is preparing for a new offensive in the spring and summer of 2025. This concerns not only the south, but also the northeast of Ukraine - the Lymansky and Pokrovsky directions, as well as the Sumy region, in particular the areas near the Kursk region.
The Kremlin's overall strategy is clear: to increase military pressure ahead of possible ceasefire negotiations. In this way, Russia seeks to take the most advantageous position possible for bargaining and imposing its conditions. To this end, hostilities are being intensified on several fronts.
The Ukrainian military is left to hold its ground, strengthen its fortifications, build up reserves, and prepare for a possible wave of offensives. The success of the defense on the southern front could once again be the key to deterring Russia's plans.
