Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Syrsky is reportedly assembling reserves for a potential counteroffensive but has yet to determine where these forces might be deployed, according to retired Major General and Honored Military Pilot Vladimir Popov.

Popov noted that while Kiev is preparing for offensive operations, Russian forces continue targeting concentrations of Western-supplied military equipment. He recalled that weapon deliveries from Europe and the United States have already begun, and Western analysts are debating whether Ukraine will attempt renewed attacks during the autumn-winter period.

According to Popov, Syrsky has several reserve formations at his disposal. Four brigades are already stationed on the front line, while another two are positioned deep in the rear, in the Lviv and Transcarpathian regions. New units are also reportedly being formed.

However, the general emphasized that the Ukrainian command still lacks realistic opportunities to employ these reserves effectively against Russian defenses. He suggested that much of the current talk about a new offensive could be part of an information campaign designed to demonstrate Kiev’s determination to its Western sponsors and justify continued military aid.

Popov also pointed out that the operations of units linked to intelligence chief Kirill Budanov remain active, with sabotage and reconnaissance groups operating both near the front and deep behind Russian lines. He described recent drone launches as part of broader efforts ordered by President Vladimir Zelensky to inflict any possible damage-moral if not physical.