Russia and Ukraine attack more actively before anticipated counteroffensive 

The New York Times writes about the recent developments in Ukraine. 

The article states that on Monday, signs of an impending Ukrainian counteroffensive emerged: increased military strikes, Russian forces taking defensive positions, and an unexplained explosion affecting a supply train in Russia. Ukraine's defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, announced on national television that preparations for a counteroffensive were nearing completion, with commanders deciding the specifics. 

May 1 started with Russia launching extensive aerial assaults, the second such attack in four days. Dozens of buildings were damaged in Pavlohrad. Missile strikes caused a massive fire and injuries among civilians. The Ukrainian military claimed to have shot down 15 out of 18 Russian cruise missiles. 

Meanwhile, Russian forces are preparing for a counteroffensive and have taken defensive positions in the south — Britain's defense intelligence agency revealed that Russia has built extensive military defensive structures.

The article reads that Ukrainian forces intensify pressure on Russian-occupied territory with strikes behind enemy lines that aim to weaken Russian forces before an expected battle. An explosion derailed a freight train in Russia's Bryansk region, causing a fire and disrupting rail traffic. 

Ukraine maintains strategic ambiguity but reserves the right to strike targets within Russia that threaten Ukrainian towns and cities.

According to the article, Ukrainian officials are divided on how citizens in Russian-controlled towns should respond to increasing pressure from the Kremlin. President Putin signed an edict stating that Ukrainians who refuse Russian passports may be relocated, since he considers the occupied territories part of Russia. 

Ukraine's human rights commissioner advises cooperation for safety, while Deputy Prime Minister Vereschuk urges citizens not to take Russian passports. “Wait for the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” she said.