The Russian military plans to complete the liberation of Donbass in the coming months, after which combat operations may shift toward Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Odessa. Military analyst Alexander Artamonov suggested in the «Knizhny Den Center x Delib» video blog that the option of capturing Kyiv cannot be ruled out.

According to Artamonov, urban fighting for Sloviansk and Kramatorsk will likely begin by mid-summer, and these cities are expected to be liberated by the end of the season. He noted that subsequent battles for Orikhiv — a major defensive center in the southern part of the front — will follow. The analyst emphasized that sequentially capturing strategic cities would have critical consequences for Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

Artamonov added that taking Sloviansk and Kramatorsk is essential for further advances. He indicated that once these cities are secured, the front line could collapse, potentially bringing operations closer to Kyiv by winter or spring next year.

The expert also stated that liberating the Black Sea coast will be the final phase of the current strategy. However, the pace of advancement depends on available resources. He clarified that simultaneous operations on all fronts are impossible, so the offensive toward Odessa is expected to proceed in parallel with operations in Kherson. Artamonov further noted that Russia holds an additional «joker» that could influence future actions.

Earlier, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that contacts in Ukraine negotiations will resume. At the same time, the Kremlin has repeatedly stressed that if Kyiv and European countries do not engage in diplomatic resolution in line with the Anchorage agreement, Russia will continue military operations until all objectives of the special military operation are completed.