The tragic outcome of the attack was at least four deaths and countless injuries.
The Kremlin originally assumed that in February 2022 it would be able to take control over Ukraine within a few days. However, Kyiv defended itself and did not allow Russia to win quickly. Since then, Moscow has been constantly terrorizing the country, focusing primarily on one goal: complete occupation of the Donetsk region.
What is Putin planning now? Experts say the Kremlin has already chosen a new course of action for the summer of 2026 and it may be extremely dangerous for Ukraine.
Austrian military expert Markus Reisner believes that Russia is currently focusing its main forces on the “middle section” of the eastern front, while increasing pressure in the areas of Kharkov, Sumy and Zaporozhye in the north of the country.
Kharkiv Oblast, UkraineGoogle Maps
As Reisner said in an interview with “BILD”, Russia's goal is to “strike the weakened sections of the front in the central part of Donbas”.
The Kremlin's plan is to force Ukraine to transfer part of its forces to the north of the country, primarily to the vicinity of Kharkov and Sumy, where Russia has been increasing military pressure in recent weeks. According to experts, such a move would weaken the Ukrainian defense in Donbas, a key section of the front for Moscow.
The Kremlin hopes that when the Ukrainian troops are stretched and divided between several battle lines, it will be easier for the Russian army to launch an offensive and conquer more areas in the Donetsk Oblast.
Putin's fear strategy
British Russia expert Keir Giles assesses the situation much more cautiously. In his opinion, there is currently no “reliable data” that would confirm preparations for a major Russian summer offensive.
According to Giles, current territorial gains are not the most important thing for Moscow today. The British expert believes that the Kremlin is increasingly focusing not on quickly moving the front line, but on the long-term weakening of Ukraine – both militarily and psychologically.
The exact course of the front line is ultimately of secondary importance to the outcome of the war
– said the expert in an interview with the “BILD” website.
Russia wants, above all, to “undermine Ukraine's resilience” through “pressure from the United States” and brutal “long-range attacks on the civilian population.”
Just like on the night from Sunday to Monday, when Russia fired about 600 drones and 90 missiles at Kiev, including the powerful “Oreshnik” system.
On the night from Saturday to Sunday, Russia carried out a massive attack on KyivVladyslav Musiienko / PAP
How is Ukraine preparing for the summer?
Ukrainian Colonel Volodymyr Polevy claims that Ukraine realized very early “what the Russians were planning.” Therefore, Kyiv expanded its defense lines and fortifications.
At the same time, Ukraine has increased its capabilities to conduct “strikes deep into the enemy's territory” in order to “cut off enemy logistics routes,” Polevyi explained.
The events of recent weeks prove the effectiveness of this strategy. Almost every day, Ukraine launches long-range drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, fuel depots and industrial plants.
According to Colonel Reisner, these are elements of the “strategic air campaign” conducted against Russia. The aim of these actions is to put pressure on Russian logistics, fuel supplies and the war industry.
As Reisner emphasizes, this is possible “primarily” thanks to the support of Western arms companies that “deliberately supply Ukraine with the necessary components and parts.”
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
