Russian army received an important order by May 9: Analyst reveals details

Russian president Vladimir Putin has issued an order to the army to completely clear Kursk region of Ukrainian forces by May 9.

This was stated by military analyst Oleksiy Hetman during a broadcast on the FREEDОМ TV channel.

Order for the Russian army by May 9

According to him, Russian troops will continue attempting to expel Ukrainian Defense Forces from Kursk region, particularly through actions in Sumy region. However, the enemy army lacks the reserves necessary for large-scale offensive operations.

"In the Sumy direction, in Kursk region in general, the Russians received an order from their president to fully clear Kursk region of Ukrainian forces by May 9. Since it borders Sumy region, it’s obvious these efforts to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk region will also involve actions through the Sumy region," Hetman said.

Current situation at the front

He noted that fluctuations in combat activity are being recorded on the front — sometimes increasing, sometimes decreasing. Most likely, the decrease is related to regrouping and minor tactical rotations. In other words, it’s a pause between serious enemy offensive actions.

"With the forces and means they currently have, the Russians have not achieved any significant advances anywhere over the past few months. There have been minor advances in various sectors, but we’re also making progress, reclaiming previously lost positions. So, in general, one could say the front line is more or less stable," the analyst said.

Is Russia capable of large-scale offensive operations?

Hetman also commented on the Russians’ preparation for large-scale offensive actions. He reminded that the enemy itself announced such operations for the spring and summer of 2025. But this would require far more troops and resources than the Russian army currently possesses.

"The Russians even stated that their offensive operations would be planned for 6–9 months. But to carry out such serious offensive actions along the entire front line, they would need more troops and equipment," Hetman said.

He also noted that it is unclear where the Russians intend to find the additional manpower needed for major offensives. According to the analyst, the enemy has no real reserves, which makes it hard to understand how they could carry out any significant offensive actions.

As Hetman pointed out, the number of Russian occupiers on the front had not increased.

"On the contrary, it’s gradually decreasing thanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. And any reserves the Russians might be preparing — supposedly hidden somewhere in the rear — also don’t seem to exist. So, while it’s possible they may attempt an active offensive, claiming that Russia’s Armed Forces will achieve any significant successes is, let’s say, very debatable," the analyst concluded.