**Russia Aims to Capture Ukraine’s Eastern Territory, Cutting Off Black Sea Access**
In a stark warning, Ukrainian officials say Russia is planning to occupy all of Ukraine’s territory east of the Dnipro River and advance towards key cities in southern Ukraine. This broader strategy aims to cut off Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea, a critical waterway that provides a vital lifeline for trade and commerce.
According to Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia’s plan involves seizing control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by this fall. Moscow also hopes to establish a buffer zone along Ukraine’s northern border with Russia. The second phase of the plan is even more ambitious, envisioning an advance into southern Ukraine that would cut off the country from the sea.
“This is not about peace talks,” Palisa said during a press briefing at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington. “This is about preparing for war.” His comments come as Russian and Ukrainian negotiators continue to engage in diplomatic efforts, despite a lack of progress towards a ceasefire.
**Russian Demands: A Path to War?**
Just days ago, Russia presented Ukraine with a so-called “peace memorandum” that demands Kyiv recognize Russia’s claimed annexation of four Ukrainian regions. Moscow also calls for Ukraine’s demobilization and a formal ban on NATO membership. These demands have been met with skepticism by the Ukrainian delegation, which has instead called for an all-for-all prisoner exchange, the return of abducted children, and the release of civilians held in Russian captivity.
The warning signs are clear: Russia is preparing for a major summer offensive in Donetsk Oblast, where daily assaults have continued since 2022. Despite suffering heavy losses, Russian troops are advancing through mass wave attacks that gain only tens of meters per day. According to estimates, Moscow currently occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine.
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