10:00 17-10-2025

Ukraine May Prepare Multi-Front Counteroffensive, Russian General Warns

Zеlеnskiу / Оfficiаl / Telegram

Retired Major General Vladimir Popov believes Ukrainian forces may launch a counteroffensive across several fronts, including Crimea and Zaporozhye, amid talks between Trump and Zelensky.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine may be preparing a new counteroffensive along multiple directions, according to retired Russian Air Force Major General Vladimir Popov.

His comments followed U. S. President Donald Trump’s statement that he plans to discuss the course of hostilities and Ukraine’s offensive intentions with Vladimir Zelensky.

Popov suggested that Kyiv might attempt to strike toward Crimea, particularly in the area near Genichesk — the narrow strip connecting the Kherson region with the peninsula. He noted that the Kherson-Nikolaev direction could play a supporting role in such an operation. The primary goal, in his view, would be to cut Crimea off from the mainland, a move of major strategic significance for Ukraine.

The general named the Orekhov area in the Zaporozhye region as the main potential axis of attack. Ukrainian units, he said, could advance there from Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhye, exploiting the fact that Russian forces are not currently conducting active operations in that sector. This relative calm, he added, might encourage the Ukrainian command to attempt a breakthrough.

Popov also pointed to the Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) direction in the northeast, where fierce battles continue. Ukrainian troops under the command of General Alexander Syrsky are reportedly holding their positions there. Popov suggested Syrsky might hope that a southern offensive would divert part of the Russian grouping, helping to stabilize the situation around Krasnoarmeysk.

Another possible line of attack, he noted, could involve the cities of Druzhkovka, Slavyansk, and Kramatorsk. According to Popov, Syrsky has been maintaining reserves in that area and ensuring a steady flow of ammunition, food, and medical supplies — a sign that Kyiv views the region as a key operational zone with reliable logistics.

The retired general added that Ukrainian forces might test the resilience of Russian defenses in these directions as weather conditions worsen, seeking to exploit any temporary weaknesses.

Popov also speculated that during upcoming discussions, Trump might attempt to dissuade Zelensky from launching a counteroffensive in order to avoid heavy, unnecessary losses among Ukrainian troops.