16:43 17-04-2026

Ukraine Builds Forces Near Russian Border, Offensive in Doubt

Zеlеnskiу / Оfficiаl / Telegram

Ukraine is reinforcing positions near Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk as a potential offensive looms, but shortages in troops and equipment cast doubt on large-scale operations.

Ukrainian forces are building up their presence in areas bordering the Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, a development that may signal preparations for a spring-summer offensive. Russian troops, however, are closely monitoring the troop concentrations and carrying out preemptive strikes, according to Hero of Russia Major General Sergey Lipovoy, who shared his assessment with aif.ru.

Military analysts had earlier pointed to the likelihood of increased activity along the Kharkov axis once weather conditions improve and the ground dries out, creating a more favorable environment for maneuver operations.

At the same time, Lipovoy stresses that the Ukrainian army is facing a significant shortage of resources, including personnel, equipment and weapons. In his view, these constraints cast doubt on the feasibility of any large-scale offensive campaign. Instead, he suggests that Ukrainian actions are more likely to remain limited in scope-focused on holding positions and addressing emerging challenges along the line of contact in an effort to prevent a critical deterioration in certain sectors of the front.