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Russia Shifts Troops to Eastern Front Ahead of Possible Major Offensive

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Photo of Liubava Petriv
Liubava Petriv
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Russia Shifts Troops to Eastern Front Ahead of Possible Major Offensive
Military vehicles and soldiers parade through Red Square as part of the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War at Red Square in Moscow, Russia on May 9, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukrainian intelligence sources have reported an increase in Russian military activity along key sections of the eastern front, suggesting preparations for a broader offensive.

According to information shared with the Financial Times on May 13, Russian forces have been repositioning units to areas of strategic importance, rather than showing signs of engaging in peace negotiations.

The Ukrainian analysis group Deep State, which maintains close ties with the country’s defence ministry, stated that Russian forces had made further territorial gains in the Donetsk region. The advances have been particularly noted around Pokrovsk and Toretsk, both of which have experienced intensified clashes.

In a parallel diplomatic track, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Ankara later this week for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He expressed willingness to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin to explore the possibility of a ceasefire, emphasizing that only a direct leader-to-leader dialogue could yield meaningful results.

“If he [Putin] agrees to a ceasefire, it opens the door to broader talks,” Zelenskyy said. However, he cautioned that if Putin declines, it would signal Moscow’s lack of interest in negotiations—an outcome that could prompt tougher sanctions from Western allies, including the United States and European Union.

The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Putin will attend any potential meeting. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said preparations for talks were ongoing and further details would be announced when appropriate.

The FT reports that Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov outlined Russia’s expected agenda, including political changes in Ukraine and recognition of territories currently under Russian control. He referred to “denazification” and “acknowledgment of new territorial realities” as key points for discussion in Istanbul.

Germany’s new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, reiterated European unity on potential sanctions and voiced support for Zelenskyy’s diplomatic stance, while warning against excessive concessions.

The Ukrainian leadership continues to advocate for an immediate, unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a prerequisite to broader discussions. According to President Zelenskyy, Ukraine has been ready to implement this measure since it was first proposed by the United States over two months ago.

US President Donald Trump has also voiced support for dialogue and has appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to travel to Türkiye to support the process.

Earlier, it was reported that Washington and its European allies are prepared to impose the most severe sanctions yet on Russia if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine, according to Keith Kellogg, the US President’s special envoy to Ukraine.

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