Ukraine‘s battlefield fortunes continue to deteriorate as Kyiv braces for a major summer offensive from Russian forces.

President Donald Trump’s ambitious goal of ending the Russia-Ukraine war upon taking office failed to pass, held up by the irreconcilable visions of Kyiv and Moscow. With the window for a favorable peace closing in the first half of 2025, Ukrainian intelligence now believes Russia will launch a massive summer offensive to cement its gains. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined the country’s assessment in a May 26 address.