Trouble for Putin as Ukraine plans second strike inside Russia

Ukraine could be preparing for another big counterattack against Russia. If true, it might be a serious blow to Russia and President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this year, Ukraine surprised the world by capturing large areas in Russia's Kursk region. This unexpected attack shocked the Kremlin and was seen as a major failure for Putin. It was the first time since World War II that a Russian leader lost land to a foreign military.

Many experts believe this move was meant to weaken trust in Putin and force Russia to move its troops from Donetsk. At that time, Russian forces were gaining ground in Donetsk. Now, as Ukraine struggles to hold its position in Donetsk, another counterattack might be on the horizon.

General Syrskyi Hints at a New Plan

General Syrskyi, Ukraine’s top military commander, led the earlier Kursk operation. In a recent meeting with journalists, he hinted at a new attack.

He said, “We must stop the enemy. But victory is not possible if we stay defensive. We must take the initiative and counterattack—and we will.”

This bold statement has caught the attention of many. Ukrainian commentator Igor Sushko shared his thoughts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He said, “If this is not a trick to confuse Russia, Ukraine might plan another Kursk-like invasion. Could Bryansk be next?”

Bryansk is a key area for Russia’s military. It is an important logistical hub, which means it helps supply Russian troops. 

Last week, Ukraine hit an ammunition factory in Bryansk using American missiles. This showed that Ukraine has the ability to strike deep into Russian territory.

Some believe a Ukrainian attack on Bryansk could force Russia to pull troops from Donetsk. Others think Ukraine might attack another area to stretch Russia’s resources even thinner.

Military experts and bloggers are also considering other scenarios. Some believe the talk of a counterattack might be a bluff. By spreading rumors of a new offensive, Ukraine could confuse Russian military planners. This could delay Russia’s troop movements or force them to spread their forces thin.

However, launching a counterattack won’t be easy. Ukraine’s resources are already stretched due to heavy fighting in Donetsk and other areas. A new front could put additional strain on its manpower and equipment.

In Donetsk, Russia has been advancing quickly. This area has been a priority for Russia’s military for over 10 months. Ukraine is working hard to hold its ground, but the situation is tough. The city of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub, is under threat from Russian forces.

If Ukraine launches a counterattack, it could change the dynamics in Donetsk and other regions. But whether Ukraine has the strength to open a new front remains uncertain.

For now, Ukraine’s plans are unclear. Whether this is a real counterattack or a clever strategy to keep Russia guessing, one thing is clear: Ukraine is determined to fight back.