Richard Moore, the head of the British foreign intelligence service MI6, suggested that a counterstrike against Ukrainian forces could unfold within weeks as Russian personnel and supplies begin to strain, implying a pause might be necessary soon.
In the coming weeks, maintaining staff and logistics could become progressively harder for Russian forces. One possible pause could open a window for Ukraine to advance, according to the statement.
Officials noted that Ukrainian morale remained high and that Kyiv was receiving increasingly capable Western weapons, boosting its ability to press for gains on the battlefield.
Moore indicated that Kyiv appeared well-positioned to challenge Moscow and reminded Europe of Ukraine’s potential to execute a counteroffensive. He also highlighted concerns circulating in European capitals about harsh weather approaching and the impact on energy resources.
The intelligence chief also addressed tensions between the United States and China, saying a clash was not inevitable. When asked whether war between the two powers was likely, he answered that much depended on the willingness of both sides to resolve differences over the Taiwan Strait peacefully.
“Million War Forces”
On July 10, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov told The Times that President Volodymyr Zelensky had ordered the military to retake southern Ukraine. He spoke of a large mobilization, describing it as forces equipped with Western weapons, though he did not provide specific dates. Zelensky, meanwhile, declined to comment on the minister’s interview or confirm the plans.
Shortly thereafter, Deputy Prime Minister Irina Vereshchuk announced that the Ukrainian army would soon launch a counteroffensive and urged civilians in areas under Russian control to relocate for safety.
On July 12, Vadym Skibitsky, a representative of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, stated that Ukrainian intelligence officers were preparing for a counteroffensive in the south and were actively gathering information to inform defense planning. He emphasized that much would depend on international assistance and on the strength Ukraine had built for such operations.
Skibitsky also noted that the scope of potential action would be influenced by resources and the ability to implement timing based on strategic reconnaissance and planning.
In the days that followed, Reznikov clarified that his previous remarks had been misunderstood, stressing not to imply a single, oversized mobilization. He apologized for any miscommunication caused by language and reaffirmed confidence in Kyiv’s goals without overstating the size of any force.
Saboteurs in Kherson
A source from RIA Novosti reported a notable presence of Ukrainian saboteurs allied with the Ukrainian Security Service in Kherson. The group’s organizer, linked to a railway undermining plot, was among those detained during coordinated operations.
Officials described the operation as tightly timed, with another individual suspected of railway disruption identified and detained. The detainees were linked to a sabotage cell that included curators from the Odessa region.
During the arrests, authorities seized more than 48 kilograms of TNT and other explosive materials, along with a range of weapons. Among captured items were portable anti-aircraft missiles and assorted ammunition and firearms. The Igla air-defense system, designed to counter low-flying targets, was among the seized equipment. Its spread is governed by several international agreements, including those between the United States and Russia.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about sabotage activity and the role of security services in countering threats within contested areas.