🇺🇦🇷🇺Ukraine vs Russia

Zelensky Says Russia Reinforces Army, May Expand War or Seek Talks by Summer

Zelensky says Russia is increasing troop numbers using reserves, eyeing new offensives while weighing escalation or talks amid pressure on Ukraine this spring.

Kyiv Post

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10 avril 2026

4 min read

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Russia is increasing its troop presence in Ukraine by drawing on strategic reserves while continuing to pursue new offensive objectives, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, warning that the coming months will be politically and militarily difficult.

Speaking to journalists, Zelensky said Russia is replenishing losses while expanding its overall grouping in Ukraine.

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“In a month, we eliminate the same number of occupiers that the Russians mobilize, but at the same time the size of their grouping on the territory of Ukraine is growing. We believe they are increasing their grouping by attracting military personnel from the strategic reserve,” Zelensky said.

According to him, Ukraine’s response was discussed with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (AFU) and the Chief of the General Staff.

“For the Russians, this is a risky step, because with such actions they weaken their borders with other states, and the situation there is not easy for them. But nevertheless, they went for it,” he said.

Zelensky added that new Russian military plans suggest Moscow aims to capture Druzhkivka, Kostiantynivka, and Pokrovsk (Donetsk region) by the end of April.

“This is impossible, but it is not the first time they have set a deadline, and now they have set themselves such an indicator,” he said, noting that British intelligence shares this assessment.

He also commented on reports about a possible shutdown of Telegram in Russia. President suggested that it could signal preparations either for a new wave of mobilization or for a peace deal that would be “uncomfortable” for Russians.

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“Why would the Russians close Telegram? I think it would be to push through unpopular decisions. What could those be? Perhaps ending the war in one form or another. Or, conversely, escalating it – which would mean even greater mobilization,” the president said.

In his view, these are the two main scenarios, though he added that other motives are also possible.

“And soon we will see which scenario Vladimir Putin has chosen,” Zelensky said.

He added that if Russia opts for de-escalation, a trilateral peace meeting could take place between April and June.

“I think these are key months for them. And I think it will be very difficult for us until September. In my opinion, the Americans will not give anyone more time for this dialogue,” he said.

Zelensky said that, with the onset of summer, the United States will become increasingly focused on its internal political processes, particularly elections.

“I think they have a kind of internal political deadline – roughly August. So this spring0summer period will be quite difficult politically and diplomatically,” he said.

“There may be pressure on Ukraine, and there will also be pressure on the battlefield. But we understand Ukraine’s national interests and what can guarantee our security,” Zelensky added.

According to the president, maintaining pressure on Russia during this period will be critical.

Zelensky also warned that Russia seeks to expand a “buffer zone” in northern Ukraine, potentially extending it along the border with Belarus and including Chernihiv and Sumy regions.

“The Russians want to have a buffer zone along the entire border – not only their own, but also Belarus’s,” he said, adding that he currently sees no threat from Transnistria.

He noted that Russian forces are also concentrating in other directions, including the south and the Zaporizhzhia region.

“Their main goal is unchanged – the Pokrovsk direction. For them, this is an important city, they have been trying to capture it for a long time. And it is important for us, because our line of defense and our borders are there,” Zelensky said.