Ukraine is preparing for the possibility of a fresh Russian offensive in the country’s north, with President Volodymyr Zelensky ordering senior military commanders to strengthen defences around Kyiv and Chernihiv as Moscow searches for new ways to prolong the war.
The Ukrainian leader said preparations for potential Russian action, alongside reinforcing air defences and countering the growing drone threat, dominated a high-level meeting with army corps commanders and defence officials.
The talks brought together acting Defence Minister Yevhen Khmara, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa and commanders from eight army and marine corps to assess Russian military activity across the battlefield.
According to Zelensky, commanders presented intelligence assessments of Moscow’s intentions and outlined Ukraine’s readiness to respond to multiple operational scenarios.
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Particular attention was given to protecting Kherson, Nikopol and communities across the Dnipropetrovsk region, which continue to face sustained Russian drone and artillery attacks.
The meeting also focused on improving frontline air defence systems, accelerating military supplies and strengthening Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian drones that have become a defining feature of the conflict.
Most notably, Zelensky confirmed commanders received a briefing on preparations for possible developments along the Chernihiv-Kyiv axis, reflecting growing concern that Russia could seek to expand pressure beyond the current front lines.
We received a briefing on our preparations for various scenarios on the Chernihiv-Kyiv axis, taking into account intelligence reports and Russia’s continued efforts to find new ways to prolong and expand the war,” the President said.
The meeting forms part of a series of consultations Zelensky has held in recent days with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, senior military commanders and Ukraine’s defence leadership.
It also follows the first-ever joint meeting between corps commanders, government officials and domestic arms manufacturers, highlighting Kyiv’s increasing focus on integrating battlefield planning with defence production.
While there is no indication that a new Russian offensive is imminent, Ukraine’s leadership appears determined to prepare for multiple contingencies as Moscow continues searching for opportunities to regain the strategic initiative after months of costly fighting.
With drone warfare intensifying and Russia maintaining pressure across several sectors, Kyiv is signalling that defending the capital and northern approaches remains a central pillar of its military planning, even as the fiercest fighting continues further east and south.
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