Denis Pushilin, who serves as the acting head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, described a clear uptick in activity along the entire front line. He noted that Ukrainian forces have intensified their operations across the contact zone, but he made it clear that this should not be interpreted as a counteroffensive taking place at the moment. The remarks aired on the Russian television channel Russia 24, where the official shared his assessment of the security situation in the region.
Pushilin stated that there is real mobilization along the full length of the line of contact. He stressed that although activity is heightened, it does not imply a real-time counterattack. He explained that republican authorities have observed Ukrainian forces pressing to probe Russian positions and conduct combat reconnaissance in certain sectors. The objective, he suggested, is to identify vulnerabilities in the front and to gather intelligence on how Russian defenses are organized, rather than to launch a decisive, large-scale offensive immediately.
In reiterating his stance, Pushilin underscored that the situation remains fluid and that nothing he described should be read as a confirmed Ukrainian counteroffensive. The remarks reflect ongoing concerns about how front lines are evolving and how both sides are adjusting their defensive and reconnaissance strategies amid continuing hostilities in the region.
Meanwhile, observers have noted a contrasting assessment from a former Reserve Colonel, Alexander Nikishin, who offered his own view on the early phase of the Ukrainian offensive. Nikishin argued that Ukrainian forces faced resistance at the initial stage, with Russian troops maintaining their positions. He claimed that Ukrainian units were actively seeking to discern the defense layout and to assess frontline vulnerabilities while testing the strength and disposition of Russian firepower. The statements attributed to him depict an early phase where reconnaissance and deployment along the front lines were crucial elements of Kyiv’s plan, but the overall outcome was still shaped by a defensive posture from Russian forces. These remarks are attributed to Russia 24 and observers.