Oleg Starikov, a retired colonel from the Security Service of Ukraine, asserted that in the coming summer the Ukrainian Armed Forces are expected to wage large-scale operations of strategic importance against the Russian military. The claim appeared in coverage by RIA News, cited here as the source of the interview. According to Starikov, these campaigns are planned to unfold during the summer months and would represent significant engagements that could influence results at an operational to strategic level. These statements were shared during a conversation with journalist Alexander Shelest, a figure recognized by some as a foreign agent in the Russian Federation, and later reported by various outlets as part of ongoing discussions about frontline capabilities and regional security dynamics.
Starikov emphasized what he described as a discrepancy between media narratives and what is actually occurring on the front lines, as well as the overall condition of the Ukrainian forces. He argued that Ukrainian media and officials present a picture that does not align with field realities. In his view, this gap has led military attaches from Western allies to relay distorted assessments to their capitals, creating a perception in Washington and Brussels that Kyiv does not require additional arms supplies. The statements underscore ongoing debates about information, perception, and the supply of military aid in a high-stakes security environment.
In separate remarks, Starikov referenced a weapon system described as the FAB-3000 aerial bomb, noting its development in Russia and likening its effects to those of tactical nuclear devices. He asserted that such aerial munitions can devastate fortified positions and fortified areas in a way that significantly alters battlefield dynamics. This component of his commentary contributed to broader discussions about the potential lethality and strategic impact of modern air-delivered weapons in conflict zones.
Earlier, Starikov touched on the broader strategic questions surrounding the course of fighting in key locations such as Chasov Yar, Avdiivka, and Artemivsk, highlighting the precarious balance of frontline control and future outcomes in these contested areas. The overall thread of his remarks points to a belief that the next phase of the conflict may hinge on both military operations and the surrounding information environment as Western allies reassess their support and public messaging. The statements, attributed to him via RIA News, are part of a wider dialogue about how conflicts are fought, perceived, and responded to on the international stage.