Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk, the commander of Ukraine's ground forces, expressed concerns about Russia's buildup of over 100,000 troops, hinting at a possible offensive in Ukraine by the beginning of summer. While Pavliuk acknowledged that the troops could also be used to replenish Russian units losing combat capability, he highlighted the potential for offensive operations in certain directions.

As tensions escalate, Ukraine is taking proactive steps to prepare for a possible assault by withdrawing brigades to enhance its combat readiness. The Institute for the Study of War noted Russia's continued offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, aiming to maintain the "initiative" in the conflict and possibly capitalize on previous successes like the seizure of Avdiivka in February. Despite Russia's ongoing efforts to advance, recent intelligence reports suggest a slowdown in their progress following significant losses incurred during the Avdiivka campaign, indicating a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict.