**Russia’s Spring Offensive Against Ukraine Has Already Begun, Says Ukrainian Commander–in-Chief**
Ukraine is facing a new challenge as Russia’s spring offensive against the country has already begun, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. In an interview published on April 9, Syrskyi stated that President Volodymyr Zelensky was correct in warning that Moscow was amassing forces for a fresh attack on the Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts this spring.
Syrskyi’s comments come as Russian offensive operations have almost doubled in all main sectors over the past week, according to the commander-in-chief. This development is concerning for Ukraine, which has been bracing itself for a potential new offensive by Russia. Ukrainian officials and experts had warned that Russia may launch a new attack on the two northeastern regions to strengthen its hand in potential negotiations.
**Russia’s Motives**
Russia’s motives behind the spring offensive are unclear, but it is believed to be an attempt to regain lost territory and gain a strategic advantage in any future negotiations with Ukraine. The country has been making significant advances on the battlefield, primarily in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk Oblast, last fall. However, its push had slowed down in the early months of 2025.
**Zapad 2025 Drills**
When asked whether the upcoming Zapad 2025 drills in Belarus in September could be part of preparations for the new offensive, Syrskyi acknowledged that military exercises can be used to redeploy and amass a new group of forces. However, he did not expect that the fall exercises would be used for this purpose, though Kyiv “has to take this factor into account.”
**Implications**
The implications of Russia’s spring offensive are far-reaching and have significant consequences for Ukraine. The country is facing an uncertain future as it navigates the complex web of international relations and attempts to defend itself against a more powerful adversary.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Ukraine will respond to the new challenge posed by Russia. One thing is certain, however: the stakes are high, and the consequences of failure could be devastating for the country and its people.
**What’s Next?**
As the spring offensive continues, Ukraine will need to adapt quickly to changing circumstances on the battlefield. The country will also need to navigate the complex web of international relations, seeking support from allies and partners in its time of need.
The outcome of this conflict is far from certain, but one thing is clear: Ukraine will not go down without a fight. As Syrskyi said, “I can say that the president is absolutely right, and this offensive has actually already begun.” The question now is how Ukraine will respond to this new challenge and what the future holds for the country and its people.
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