Russia is planning a large-scale offensive in the Donetsk region — The Financial Times
The main objective of Russian forces is to establish control over the entire territory of Donetsk Oblast.
According to Financial Times journalist Christopher Miller, who cites sources in the Main Intelligence Directorate, Russian forces are considering a plan to fully capture the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. To this end, the occupiers are building up their military presence in the eastern sector.
The journalist notes that Russia is preparing a new offensive operation in the southeast, drawing on its strategic reserve. In particular, the redeployment of about 20,000 troops to reinforce the group has been recorded.
According to published estimates, the total number of Russian troops on Ukrainian territory currently stands at around 680,000 soldiers. The main goal of this buildup remains establishing full control over the Donbas territories.
Russia is preparing a fresh offensive in southeastern Ukraine, drawing on its strategic reserve to add 20,000 fresh troops to its force inside the country, Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence told me. With some 680,000 soldiers now on the ground, Russia aims to take the Donbas by September.…
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) April 16, 2026
Video: Zelenskyyarrived in Donetsk Oblast and stated that Russia is preparing an offensive.
Recently, fighters from Lazar’s Group, together with the 429th Separate “Achilles” Unmanned Systems Brigade and a Joint Forces group, detected and neutralized a Russian S-400 “Triumph” anti-aircraft missile system.
Fighters from the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Roman the Great struck enemy equipment and drones in the Kupiansk direction.
On the front lines, there were 100 combat engagementsover the past 24 hours, with the heaviest fighting continuing near Pokrovsk.
