Ukrainian intelligence and the military do not rule out the possibility of Russian troops attacking the city of Zaporizhia, located just 30 km from the front. This strategically important regional center, one of three centers of heavy industry in Ukraine, remains critical for the functioning of the country. According to journalists from The Economist , up to 130,000 Russian soldiers may be sent to Zaporizhia, but the exact moment of the offensive is still unknown.
Zaporizhia is an important economic and industrial hub for Ukraine. According to journalists, its capture by Russia could seriously undermine the country's economy, as the city is one of the last centers of heavy industry in Ukraine. In late 2022, Vladimir Putin declared Zaporizhia region “Russian,” although at that time the occupiers controlled only a third of it. This move became part of a broader Kremlin strategy that included the annexation of occupied territories.
Ukraine is actively strengthening its defenses around Zaporizhia. According to The Economist , fortifications are being built around the city, including minefields and engineering barriers. The military is working to create defensive rings radiating from the regional center. As noted by a representative of Ukrainian intelligence, these measures increase readiness for a possible offensive, although some military officials doubt its inevitability.
The commander of the Spartan National Guard brigade, Oleksiy Khilchenko, believes that Russia is currently focused on other parts of the front and is not ready to attack Zaporizhia. He emphasized that the first assault was planned with two divisions (20,000–30,000 soldiers), but some troops were redirected towards Kursk to strengthen 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 blow may be the hardest.
Despite the uncertainty over the timing of the Russian offensive, the Ukrainian military is actively strengthening its defenses and preparing for possible attacks. The offensive, when it occurs, is expected to be intense and difficult, but is currently complicated by the Kremlin's need to fight on multiple fronts simultaneously.
