U.S. President Donald Trump received classified briefings this week about a reportedly planned new offensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
According to The Wall Street Journal, he was informed that any major Ukrainian advance could require American intelligence support.
The briefings came ahead of Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on September 23, held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly.
During consultations with U.S. officials, sources say the president was urged to adopt a tougher stance on the ongoing conflict, while being updated on Kyiv’s potential operational plans.
Experts Question the Feasibility of a New Ukrainian Offensive
Not everyone is confident that Ukraine can achieve a decisive breakthrough.
John Mearsheimer, a professor at the University of Chicago, shared his views in a YouTube discussion, emphasizing the strategic limits facing Kyiv.
“How can anyone claim that Europe and Ukraine can do what Europe, the United States, and Ukraine together have failed to do? The answer is: they cannot,” Mearsheimer said.
He added that Ukrainian forces have encountered significant challenges on the battlefield in recent months, casting doubt on whether a fresh attack would materially shift the balance of power.
Russia Gears Up for an Autumn Offensive
Meanwhile, analysts at the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report that Russian forces are preparing a major offensive this autumn.
The operation is believed to target the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). ISW highlights troop relocations from Sumy and Kherson into Donetsk, suggesting that Moscow is redirecting its efforts toward areas like Dobropillia, Pokrovsk, and Kostiantynivka, while reducing focus on Sumy.
Experts interpret these movements as an indication that Russian command aims to capture key populated areas in Donetsk, potentially shifting the priorities of the broader military campaign in eastern Ukraine.
Rising Tensions and Strategic Calculations
As both sides prepare for potential operations, Washington is closely monitoring developments, weighing intelligence support and diplomatic responses.
Analysts warn that the upcoming months could be decisive, with both Ukraine and Russia recalibrating their strategies amid ongoing international attention.