Russia is amassing forces to occupy land up to Kyiv’s outskirts – media

Ukrainian and Russian delegations are trying to discuss options for ending the war.

At the same time, Russia is amassing forces for a new offensive against Ukraine. Two US officials with knowledge of the latest US assessments told CNN.

The attack could be focused on eastern Ukraine. One of the officials explained that Russian commanders are ‘looking to build a large force’.

‘Putin will try to seize any land he can get, up to the outskirts of Kyiv. The Russians will make every effort to get everything they can,’ said the second US official.

The Russian invaders will try to implement these plans against the backdrop of Ukraine’s military shortage. US assessments suggest that it is Ukrainian drones and the effectiveness of minefields that are still holding back Russian troops, despite Russia’s significant manpower advantage, both in eastern Ukraine and in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops still hold a foothold.

Russia is also having difficulty amassing the forces it wants as the two sides continue their gruelling and deadly war of attrition in eastern Ukraine. One U.S. official noted that there is no indication that North Korea is currently able to significantly increase its troop levels in Ukraine after losing thousands of soldiers in the fighting.

According to US assessments, there have been few changes in Russia’s military objectives, including the occupation of most of Ukraine’s territory, despite the fact that the Trump administration has been calling on the Kremlin to adhere to the 30-day ceasefire and begin meaningful peace talks.

On 7 May, US President Donald Trump said it was time to make a decision on peace in Ukraine.