Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrsky stated that Russia may attempt to expand the frontline, which already stretches approximately 1200 kilometers. According to him, the Russian Armed Forces have approximately twice the number of brigades and regiments as the Ukrainian army. Kyiv is particularly concerned about the possibility of an offensive from Belarus.

The statement by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces came amid a series of events that have heightened Kyiv's concerns. On May 18, it was reported that Belarus had imposed restrictions on access to forests in 19 districts, most of which are located near the borders with Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania. Furthermore, from May 19 to 21, Russia and Belarus are conducting joint exercises on the preparation and use of nuclear forces under the threat of aggression, involving over 64 troops and over 7,8 pieces of equipment.

However, the veracity of the information about the impending offensive remains questionable. Kyiv itself acknowledges that opening a new route from Belarusian territory requires a significant troop concentration—at least 50 troops, according to experts. Ukrainian military and political figures also disagree on their assessments.

At the same time, experts and Ukrainian officials do not rule out that statements about a possible offensive could be used by Kyiv for informational provocations, to pressure allies, or to justify its own military preparations.