Ukrainian general uncovers Putin's strategic plans for eastern Ukraine's regions

He made this statement on Espreso TV.

"Strategically, Putin has instructed Gerasimov and other military leaders not to slow the pace of offensive operations in the eastern Ukraine's regions. Despite the Ukrainian Armed Forces advancing into Russia's Kursk region and moving to occupy new towns and villages, Putin has directed that reserves be withdrawn only from less critical areas — such as the Kharkiv region and parts of the Zaporizhzhia direction — and reserves from deeper within Russia are to be brought in. Russian units from Donetsk, Luhansk, and parts of the Kupyansk direction are to remain in place. Thus, in the eastern Ukraine's regions, they are following Putin’s directive to seize new territories," Malomuzh said.

According to him, Putin's strategy involves capturing new Ukrainian territory daily, aiming for at least one to two hundred meters of advance and erasing settlements in the process.

"Ukrainian forces in the east are retreating to prepared positions and launching counterattacks, but Russia's offensive shows no signs of weakening. Russian forces have not withdrawn any infantry, armored units, or missile and anti-aircraft systems. While aviation is still active, conducting strikes with guided bombs and drones, the scale of their operations is different from before," Malomuzh emphasized.

The Ukrainian army general also noted that no new Russian reserves were being sent to the east. Units that were intended for deployment in Pokrovsk, Kramatorsk, Lyman, and other areas are now being redirected to the Kursk region.

"We are holding our defense in the eastern Ukraine's regions, but no additional reserves are coming from Russia. We will weaken Russian forces by targeting their advancing reserves in this region. Destroying their personnel will reduce their offensive capabilities. If our operations in the Kursk region expand, Russia will be forced to withdraw its reserves from Pokrovsk and other areas," Malomuzh concluded.

• Soldier with Ukraine's 47th Brigade Oleksandr shared insights on the current situation in the Pokrovsk direction and how the Kursk operation is influencing the area.