Russia eyeing new buffer zone in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia Oblast from Transnistria, but lacks forces – Presidential Office

“This is the first time plans of this nature have been documented. To be frank, there’s no need to panic, because at this point I don’t see them having the capacity to carry out all these plans,” he said.

However, Russia’s main efforts this year will focus on the Donbas, with potential increases in the south — particularly the Oleksandrivka and Zaporizhzhia axes under favorable conditions.

“As for their future plans: the Russians still intend to establish a buffer zone in the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv oblasts, create conditions for an attempt to seize Zaporizhzhia and the Kherson Oblast, and, in the long term, carry out their aggressive ambitions to seize the Mykolaiv and Odesa oblasts,” Palisa said.

However, Russian forces will not be able to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk Oblast in the near future, according to the official.

“As of now, they have suffered 316 killed and wounded per square kilometer of occupied territory in Donetsk Oblast. In other words, if we compare the main thrusts of last year’s offensive with those of today, there has been an almost twofold increase. And their average losses along the contact line in Donbas have nearly tripled. So you can draw your own conclusions about their successes on the Donetsk axis and the losses they’ve incurred,” Palisa added.

He described Russian advances as “minimal” and tactical gains in some sectors as “very symbolic.”

“At the same time, I must note that things are certainly difficult on the front lines right now; our soldiers are having a hard time, and I am grateful to them for their resilience and for what they are doing. All of these achievements are, first and foremost, thanks to our soldiers,” he said.