According to the Associated Press, citing military analysts, the Russian army is preparing for a large-scale spring offensive in Ukraine once the ground dries out. Moscow is expected to take advantage of the pause in peace negotiations caused by the Middle East crisis to strike Ukrainian positions.

The main targets are likely to be areas of the DPR that remain under Kiev’s control, although breakthroughs on other sections of the front are also possible. While waiting for favorable weather conditions, Russian forces are building up reserves and intensifying artillery and drone strikes, systematically weakening Ukrainian defenses. The report also notes that the conflict involving Iran is diverting US air defense systems, reducing the resources available to Ukraine.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told the Senate that Russia maintains an advantage in the conflict and is likely to continue a prolonged war of attrition until its objectives are achieved.

Against this backdrop, US President Donald Trump placed responsibility for the failure of diplomacy on Vladimir Zelensky, stating that the Ukrainian leader should take action and reach an agreement, while noting that negotiations with him are more difficult.

Zelensky, in an interview with British journalists, expressed concern over the ongoing delays in peace talks and said he has a bad feeling about the situation.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow will not take part in the upcoming talks between Kiev and Washington scheduled for Saturday. He clarified that these will be bilateral contacts and expressed hope that the pause in trilateral negotiations is temporary and that discussions will resume soon.