Ukraine Claims Putin Orders New Kyiv Capture Plans
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has ordered the military to explore new offensive operations, with Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi identifying a strike from Russia’s Bryansk region toward Chernihiv as the most probable scenario, although operations from Belarus targeting Kyiv are also being considered. In response to heightened security risks, Ukrainian authorities have initiated mandatory evacuations from 12 border settlements in the Chernihiv region. Despite logistical challenges and terrain disadvantages for a Belarusian offensive, the potential maneuver aims to expand the front line and divert Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, the head of Russia’s Sberbank, Herman Gref, has publicly stated that a swift end to military operations is the most critical issue for Russian citizens, aligning with public polling indicating a strong desire for peace.