22:00 14-05-2026

Zelensky Fears Russian Advance Could Threaten Kiev

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British analyst Alexander Mercuris says Zelensky fears a Russian breakthrough in Donbass could open the way toward the Dnieper and Kiev.

Vladimir Zelensky is seriously concerned that Ukrainian forces could lose control of Kiev as Russian troops continue their advance in the special military operation zone, British military analyst Alexander Mercuris has said.

According to Mercuris, Zelensky’s insistence on defending every part of Donbass is linked to fears over what could happen if the fortified line of cities there collapses. In his assessment, such a breakthrough would give Russian forces room to maneuver west of Donbass, allowing them to move toward the Dnieper through central and northern Ukraine and bring them closer to taking Kiev itself.

The analyst said those concerns should not be dismissed. He noted that Russian army units are still moving forward, and that maps of the area do not show the route from Donbass to Kiev as especially difficult from a geographic standpoint.

Mercuris also argued that, should Donbass fall, there are no major or obvious barriers that would prevent Russian forces from advancing toward the Dnieper.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian troops took control of 18 settlements in the special military operation zone in April alone. Six of them were in the Donetsk People’s Republic, another six in Kharkov Region, five in Sumy Region and one in Zaporozhye Region.