«It will be tough»: Romanenko warns of a new phase in Russia’s offensive
General Romanenko stated that Russia has amassed 160,000 troops and armored vehicles, with an offensive potentially starting by the end of July. Ukraine must prepare.
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Armed Forces of Ukraine. / © Associated Press / © Associated Press
Russia may launch a new large-scale offensive phase as early as the end of July, warned Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
He emphasizes that the situation could become threatening, and Ukraine must fundamentally prepare for heightened aggression.
Romanenko spoke about this on Radio NV.
«The Russian Armed Forces have held the strategic initiative since late 2023, gradually advancing and capturing Ukrainian territories, ” Romanenko noted.
Russia prepares for a new campaign phase
According to Romanenko’s assessment, the first phase of 2025 — the spring-summer campaign — is nearing its end, during which Russia utilized resources accumulated in late 2024 and over the winter. However, an even more intense phase may lie ahead:
«It was previously reported that the Russians were preparing 13 divisions. Now the figure is 160,000. They have indeed built up a personnel reserve, ” the Lieutenant General stresses.
He also suggests that the enemy is deliberately limiting the use of armored vehicles, likely to deploy them en masse later.
Contracts, mobilization, and risks
Romanenko highlighted Russia’s personnel preparations. During the spring, conscripts were drafted into the army, and they are now completing their training. Meanwhile, more experienced soldiers are being coerced into signing contracts.
«Syrskyi mentioned that, despite losses, the enemy adds about 8,000 personnel monthly, ” he said.
This suggests that by late summer or autumn, Russia could transition to a new phase of its offensive campaign.
What Ukraine must do
In Romanenko’s view, Ukraine needs to take urgent steps to prepare:
swiftly address mobilization and fully equip brigades, especially those on the front lines;
coordinate efforts with allies regarding weapons, equipment, and ammunition;
make strategically difficult decisions in military economy and legislation.
«These are challenging times. They require strategically tough decisions… The situation could be quite threatening, ” the Lieutenant General concluded.