**Russia’s Plans Unveiled: Ukraine Must Be Stronger Than Ever**
In a recent statement, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office and former commander of the 93rd Brigade, Pavlo Palisa, has warned that Russia is preparing to strike from all directions. This warning comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15th.
**Russia’s True Intentions**
However, experts remain skeptical about Putin’s proposal, viewing it as a strategy to buy time rather than a genuine step toward peace. The Western allies emphasize that Russia must first agree to cease hostilities before meaningful negotiations can proceed. This is because Russia has consistently rejected ceasefire offers from European and Ukrainian leaders.
**Key Directions of Russian Efforts**
Palisa highlighted the key directions where Russia is focusing its efforts, including Donbas, Kherson, and the creation of a so-called “buffer zone” on Ukrainian territory along the border in Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts. The goal of this buffer zone is to protect Russian regions from Ukrainian attacks.
**River-Crossing Operation and Breaking Through Defenses**
Russian troops are also expected to break through defenses on the Zaporizhzhia front and conduct a river-crossing operation in Kherson Oblast to advance their offensive. This would allow them to control a significant part of Ukraine’s territory, including the left-bank area of Kherson.
**Humanitarian and Political Consequences**
Palisa emphasized that the massive terror campaign against Ukrainian civilians has not only humanitarian but also political consequences. He noted that these attacks influence the US negotiation position, something President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly spoken about and which Donald Trump has also mentioned.
**The Only Force That Can Stop Russia**
Palisa stressed that only force can stop the Russians. “They can continue terror — and they are doing it,” he explained. He also underscored the critical importance of support from the US and European partners, as Ukraine is unable to fully replace American-made weapons and ammunition.
**Ukraine’s Defense Industry Efforts**
However, Palisa emphasized that active efforts are underway to strengthen Ukraine’s own defense industry. Building up air defense systems and producing ammunition for already supplied Western air defenses and operational-tactical missile systems is a top priority for ensuring Ukraine’s long-term defense capability.
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