【British Media: Russia's Summer Offensive Has Begun, Target Likely in Donetsk】
On June 6, the British Daily Telegraph reported that multiple analysts believe Russia has launched its summer offensive against Ukraine, but Sumy or Kharkiv are unlikely to be Putin's main targets.
Summer is typically a period of intensified actions in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine (such as Ukraine's counteroffensive in 2023 and Russia's surprise attack on Kharkiv in 2024). Dense vegetation can provide cover for the attacking side, although there are issues such as dust and difficulty with thermal imaging reconnaissance.
Russia used the winter to strengthen personnel deployment, address technical defects, optimize tactics, upgrade communication, and enhance the lethality and mobility of its attack drones. According to Ukrainian military intelligence, about 125,000 Russian troops have gathered at the border of Sumy and Kharkiv, and over the past ten days, four border villages have been occupied by Russian forces. The British media pointed out that Russia’s troop strength is insufficient for a substantive offensive on major cities; this operation may aim to tie down Ukrainian forces, covering their main attack direction—Donetsk.
Ukrainian President's Office Deputy Director Pavel Parsa stated that Russia plans to control Donetsk and Luhansk before autumn, and establish a buffer zone at Ukraine's northern border by the end of the year. Putin's goal for next year is to occupy all areas east of the Dnieper River and parts of southern Ukraine, including Odesa and Mykolaiv Oblast.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834187210589196/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.