Ukraine: intelligence warns of possible Russian ground preparations toward Kyiv and Chernihiv
Kyiv says intelligence points to possible Russian preparations for a ground move toward Kyiv and Chernihiv; Kyiv is raising alert measures while assessing timing and intent.
Ukraine has received intelligence indicating that Russia is preparing for a possible ground move toward Kyiv and toward Chernihiv in the far north, the deputy head of the Ukrainian president’s office, Pavlo Palis, said on Friday.
"There are no specific dates or indications that Russian strike units are massing near Ukraine's northern borders. However, the military leadership in Moscow is making certain assessments," Palis said, stressing that Ukraine's priority is to prevent the Russians from launching any offensive actions at all.
Heightened vigilance along the northern axis
Palis said the information does not point to an imminent concentrated buildup with fixed timetables, but it has prompted Kyiv to raise alert levels and sharpen surveillance along the northern frontier.
Ukrainian authorities are conducting targeted reconnaissance and reinforcing defensive positions in areas deemed most vulnerable, Palis added, while continuing to coordinate with international partners on intelligence-sharing and contingency planning.
The statement came days after CIA Director John Ratcliffe unexpectedly traveled to Moscow for meetings with Russian officials, an event Kyiv officials and analysts say underscores the sensitivity of current exchanges between Western intelligence services and Russia.
For now, Kyiv emphasises deterrence: preventing any Russian attempt to open a new offensive remains the stated priority as tensions persist along multiple axes of the front.
Photo: press material from the event
