**Russia Prepares for New Spring Offensive in Ukraine**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned of a new Russian offensive in the northeastern regions of Sumy and Kharkiv. In an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Zelensky said that Russia is preparing a new attack on these areas.
**Russia’s Plan to Attack**
Zelensky stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to gain time before launching the spring offensive. He also mentioned that Putin initially planned to start the operation eight months ago but was forced to delay it due to Ukraine’s military successes, particularly in the Kursk region.
**Previous Attacks on Kharkiv Oblast**
Last May, Russia launched a two-pronged attack on Kharkiv Oblast. By June 8, Zelensky declared that Russia had “failed” in its offensive. In August 2024, Ukrainian forces crossed the border into Kursk Oblast and seized significant Russian territory.
**Recent Developments**
In early March, Russian troops, reinforced by North Korean units, launched a counteroffensive and recaptured some ground. Zelensky’s administration had hoped to use this as leverage in negotiations. On March 15, Zelensky warned of Russian forces amassing along Ukraine’s northeastern border.
**Global Response**
A coalition summit was co-led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support Ukraine. The United States is also reviewing an economic partnership with Ukraine. Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Secretary mentioned that some sanctions Russia wants lifted do not belong to them but rather to the European Union.
**Other News**
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto visited Moscow on March 26 to discuss continued economic cooperation between the two countries. Ukrainian troops destroyed a Russian command and observation post in the Kursk Oblast, and a Russian drone strike on Kharkiv injured at least nine people.
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