'Victory frenzy' and push to Dnipropetrovsk region: Military analyst on Russia’s renewed offensive

Speaking on Hromadske Radio, military analyst Denys Popovych discussed the factors driving the renewed activity of Russian forces across multiple sections of the front.

“It’s both about May 9 and their desire to reach the administrative border with Dnipropetrovsk region. Even just to take a photo next to the Dnipropetrovsk region sign and send the pictures to whoever needs them. Whether they survive afterward or not is another question. That’s the first reason,” Popovych noted.

The second factor behind the escalation, according to Popovych, is: “They’re probing our defenses, trying to find weak spots and mask where the real offensive will happen—where the main strike is planned. Although, in my opinion, it’s already clear: it’ll be in Kostyantynivka.”

The third reason, he says, is a desire to strengthen their position in potential negotiations: “Talks are ongoing, despite various statements that might suggest otherwise. The negotiation track is still in play. These are a few of the key factors driving their heightened activity.”

“Our grandfathers made it to Berlin, and now they want to reach the border of Dnipropetrovsk region by May 9. That’s the kind of symbolism they’re aiming for—to be able to report that they made it. At the very least, to snap a photo next to that sign and say, ‘We got here,’ and announce it on May 9,” Popovych added.

• Dmytro Kozhubenko, Ukrainian National Guard Major, officer with the planning section of the Rubizh Brigade, says that Russia is concentrating significant forces to break through the Ukrainian defense.