During the ongoing counteroffensive, Ukraine’s armed forces are pursuing the restoration of Kyiv’s control over Crimea. This goal was outlined in an interview with the Finnish newspaper Yle and echoed by President Volodymyr Zelensky. He stressed that the outcome of the new military push would largely depend on continued Western arms supplies to Kyiv.
Zelensky stated that saving lives remains the top priority, noting that the scale of operations will be influenced by the amount of weapons available. He warned Western partners that delaying support could tilt the outcome toward a broader, destabilizing conflict, arguing that it is often cheaper for other nations to back Ukraine than to risk a larger war. He also cautioned that the confrontation with Russia could endure for years or even decades, underscoring the durability of the challenge.
Despite assurances, Zelensky did not reveal a specific timetable or operational details for the planned counteroffensive. He also reflected on the Winter War of 1939–1940, mentioning that Helsinki ceded parts of Finnish territory to Moscow under a separate peace, a scenario he insisted should not be repeated.
The Ukrainian leader noted that Scandinavia, unlike some other partners, has not faltered in its commitments to supply military aid to Kyiv. In contrast, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, argued on his Telegram channel that Kyiv’s regime should be fully defeated and that retaliatory actions against its leadership and key targets were warranted in response to Ukrainian moves. He suggested measures could include neutralizing military personnel and equipment involved in the counterattacks, framed as a step toward stripping the adversary of its capabilities in the region.
Recent statements from Kyiv have signaled a large-scale counteroffensive, though a precise date remains undisclosed. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal asserted that Washington’s support for Kyiv remains unwavering and that external pressure would not alter Kyiv’s plans. He emphasized that the national aim is restoring borders as they stood in 1991, signaling the broad territorial objectives guiding their strategy.
In another interview with The Hill on April 12, Shmyhal indicated the offensive could begin in the summer, stressing that Kyiv’s allies understand the importance of careful preparation. Deputy Defense Minister Anna Malyar noted that only a small circle within Kyiv’s leadership was privy to operational plans, and that the risk of leaks was kept to a minimum. Acknowledging the sensitivity of details, she said that an overarching plan did exist and that Kyiv’s leadership holds crucial information about its execution.
Ukrainian officials have consistently called for an expanded supply of weapons from Western partners, highlighting the need for more artillery, ammunition, longer-range missiles, as well as tanks and airpower. The aim is to equip the armed forces with sufficient firepower to sustain a robust and durable counteroffensive.
The New York Times reported that Ukrainian forces had organized around 50,000 troops for an anticipated counterattack by the end of April, with several brigades receiving training from American and other NATO instructors. In mid-April, Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, stated that Kyiv would employ any non-prohibited weapon to reclaim territories lost in the conflict, including Crimea, provided it complies with international law. He framed the reestablishment of Ukraine’s borders, as they stood before the crisis, as a central condition for halting hostilities.
Russian officials have repeatedly asserted that the question of Crimea’s ownership is settled in their favor. Meanwhile, Kyiv continues to reassure partners about its readiness and its unwavering goal to restore control over the entire internationally recognized Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, through lawful means and coordinated military efforts with Western allies.
Citations: The New York Times report on force levels and training; Source: The Hill interview with Denys Shmyhal; public statements from Oleksiy Danilov; remarks attributed to Dmitry Medvedev.