Russian Military Leadership Plans Offensive Toward Kyiv and Chernihiv, Ukrainian Official Says

Ukrainian intelligence indicates that the military leadership of the Russian Federation is planning an offensive in the direction of Kyiv and Chernihiv, according to Pavlo Palisa, deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Palisa said the intelligence suggests Moscow is actively considering operations aimed at northern Ukraine, including the capital region and adjacent areas.

Palisa also said Russian forces have not abandoned plans to create a so-called buffer zone on the territory of Kharkiv Oblast, Sumy Oblast, and part of Chernihiv Oblast. If implemented, the zone could extend to a depth of up to 20 kilometers, the official added, though he did not specify when such an effort might be attempted.

The deputy head of the presidential office warned that occupying forces may later try to widen the buffer zone by increasing the flight range of their unmanned aerial vehicles. The assessment underscores persistent Russian planning against Ukraine’s northern frontier, including areas near Kyiv and Chernihiv.