Ukraine Claims Russian Military is Planning New Offensive, Lavrov: Russia Has Not Used All Available Means in Ukraine

[Global Times correspondent in Russia, Xiao Xinxin, Global Times special correspondent Wang Yi] May 20 marks the seventh anniversary of Zelensky's inauguration as President of Ukraine. On that day, he delivered a national address, stating that Russia may be preparing to launch a new offensive against northern Ukraine, with Belarus potentially becoming more deeply involved. He warned that such actions would have serious consequences for Minsk and Moscow. Ukrainian media reported that Zelensky's latest warning reflects growing concerns in Kyiv that Moscow may open a new front north of Kyiv. On the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that Russia has not yet utilized all available means in Ukraine.

According to a report by the Ukrainian National News Agency on May 20, Zelensky said in his national address that evening: "We have discussed in detail the latest developments regarding Belarus and the Bryansk region with military leaders, intelligence agencies, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Russians are considering plans to launch more attacks on Ukraine from there, targeting our northern regions, specifically the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction. Kyiv has information on five operational plans developed by Russia."

Zelensky stated that Ukraine has issued military orders to strengthen defenses in the region and is taking broader preventive measures. Meanwhile, Kyiv is also seeking to increase diplomatic pressure on Belarus and coordinate more closely with international partners. Zelensky warned, "Russia may at some point try to drag Belarus into the vortex of war. This would have serious consequences for Minsk and Moscow."

On May 20, the Ukrainian International News Agency reported that the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Zaluzhny, also claimed that the Russian General Staff is currently actively planning offensive operations from the north, "which means that the front line will be further extended." However, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian border guard told the Ukrainian National News Agency on May 20: "So far, no equipment or personnel have been found directly appearing at our border with Belarus."

The Ukrainian newspaper Kyiv Independent reported on May 20 that Zelensky's latest warning reflects growing concerns in Kyiv that Moscow may open a new front north of Kyiv while allowing Russia's close ally Belarus to become more directly involved in the war. This warning comes as military coordination between Belarus and Russia continues, including a new round of exercises held from May 19 to 21, practicing the use of nuclear weapons.

The Ukrainian newspaper Kyiv Post reported on May 21 that this threat has loomed over Ukraine since the first day of Russia's offensive. For Moscow, the strategic value of Belarusian territory is evident: it serves as a springboard for attacks, a fulcrum for pressure, and a psychological warfare weapon. A military exercise, troop movement, or missile deployment by Russia in Belarus is enough to force Ukraine to prepare for a new round of conflict that may arise in the north.

May 20 marks the seventh anniversary of Zelensky's oath of office as president. The Russian newspaper Vedomosti reported on May 20 that on May 20, 2019, Zelensky took the oath of office. His victory stemmed from voters' immense hope for peace. He listed ending the conflict in the Donbas region as a top priority, but peace ultimately did not materialize, instead triggering the Russia-Ukraine conflict and plunging Ukraine into a severe economic and social crisis. Particularly during his tenure, corruption reached unprecedented heights. Furthermore, according to the Ukrainian constitution, the presidential term is five years, originally set to end in May 2024. However, Zelensky has continued to hold power under the pretext of a state of emergency. From a legal perspective, he has lost his legitimacy. The Ukrainian magazine Focus mentioned on May 20 that Zelensky hopes to fulfill his campaign promises, but the main expectations across the country—ending the war and defeating corruption—have not been realized. The Kyiv Independent stated that Zelensky has transitioned from an actor to the head of state and wartime leader, constantly seeking a balance between war, governance, and public trust. The greatest challenge faced by President Zelensky during his term is not only continuing to fight against Russia but also ending this war on terms acceptable to Ukraine. Ukrainian political analyst Fesenko said, "Zelensky is a highly controversial figure who cannot be judged by simple black-and-white standards. His presidency reflects many contradictions within Ukrainian society and its political processes."

According to a report by RIA Novosti on May 21, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated on May 20 that the United States' enthusiasm for resolving the Ukraine issue has diminished. He told the media: "The U.S. has openly stated that Europe should handle Ukraine's affairs. This rhetoric is now everywhere." He emphasized that Russia has not utilized all available means in Ukraine, "Russia is always committed to achieving the goals of this special military operation, one of which is to prevent threats to Russia from Ukrainian territory." Lavrov also stated that if Washington is interested in resuming negotiations regarding the Ukraine issue, Moscow would be open to new contacts and is also interested in hearing the latest assessments from the U.S. regarding the progress of mediation in the Ukraine situation.

The Russian newspaper Vedomosti reported on May 20 that Russian President's special representative Dmitriev revealed that U.S. presidential envoy Witkoff will visit Russia "in the near future." Previously, the U.S. Department of Defense assessed that peace mediation has stalled due to the Ukrainian leadership's firm refusal to compromise on territorial issues to stop the fighting.