Attacks on Kyiv may be part of Russia's summer campaign — Bild
Russia continues its massive attacks on Ukrainian territory, particularly targeting civilian infrastructure. The strikes on Kyiv may be part of a broader Russian summer plan aimed at weakening and suppressing Ukrainian resistance. Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry also issued statements regarding possible new attacks on the Ukrainian capital.
According to Bild, the Kremlin is not abandoning its plans to seize the entire Donbas region, despite Ukraine’s continued resistance against Russian forces. It is likely that Russia has already prepared a military plan for the summer of 2026, and the strikes on Kyiv may be just the beginning.
Austrian military expert Markus Reissner told reporters that Russia is currently focused primarily on the central sector of the eastern front while simultaneously increasing pressure on the Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
“The goal is to attack Ukraine in areas where its defenses are weakened. Ukraine must be forced to redeploy troops to the north—so that it will be easier for Russia to later attack and capture the Donetsk region,” Reissner said.
British Russia expert Kir Giles, on the other hand, assesses the situation more cautiously. He told reporters that he does not yet see any signs that Russia is preparing for a major summer offensive. The expert also emphasized that the territories already captured are not currently of decisive importance to Moscow.
"The exact location of the front line ultimately remains secondary to the outcome of the war. Diplomatic, economic, and political factors are far more decisive," he added.
According to Giles, Russia wants to crush Ukraine’s resistance. He noted that to this end, Moscow is trying to get the U.S. to increase pressure on Kyiv, while also launching brutal attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population.
Ukraine is also preparing for summer
Colonel Volodymyr Polovyi, the 7th Corps’ communications chief, told reporters that Ukraine realized early on what the Russians were planning. He shared that the Defense Forces have already reinforced their defensive lines.
In addition, according to Polyovyi, Ukraine has enhanced its capabilities to strike deep into Russian territory. He noted that their goal is to attempt to cut off the enemy’s logistics routes.
The publication added that Ukraine’s strategy is working: in recent weeks, Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, and industrial facilities have been struck nearly every day by long-range drones.
Reisner noted that these attacks are part of strategic air campaigns against Russia. According to him, their goal is to put pressure on Russian logistics, fuel supplies, and the military economy.
"This is made possible 'first and foremost' thanks to the support of Western defense companies, 'which are purposefully supplying Ukraine with components,'" Reisner stated.
The SBU detainedan agent who was directing strikes on Kyiv following the attack.
As a result of Russia’s massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, the shock wave damaged the ground-level entrance of the Lukyanivska metro station.
On the night of May 24, Russian troops carried out a massive combined attack on Kyiv, using ballistic missiles and strike drones. All districts of the capital came under fire.
On the night of May 24, Russian forces carried out a massive attack on the Kyiv region, using strike drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The shelling resulted in casualties and damage across all districts of the region.
On May 23, Russian forces launched a second strike on Balakliya in the Kharkiv region. The attack damaged the “Light of the Gospel” church building, an apartment building, and private residential structures. The shelling sparked a fire that destroyed the church building.
