Day: April 2, 2026

• Russia has two main goals in Ukraine this year

• In the east, the objectives are the twin free cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk

• In the south, Zaporizhzhia city on the Dnipro River’s left bank is the target

• But Ukrainian defenses, and a southeastern counteroffensive, complicate Russian plans

As the weather warms and Russian forces become more active on the ground and in the air following a long winter hibernation, Moscow’s objectives for the fifth year of wider war are becoming clearer.

The main aims of the 700,000-strong Russian force in Ukraine are to advance toward the left bank of the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine while also pushing toward the twin free cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine.

The former objective would consolidate Russian control over most of the Ukrainian Black Sea coast. The latter objective could result in full Russian control of Donetsk Oblast.

Both are much easier planned than done. Ukraine’s southeastern counteroffensive has stalled any Russian advance toward the Dnipro. And Ukrainian forces’ stiff defense of two key towns—Kostiantynivka and Lyman—is impeding the planned march on Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

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