The war will continue in 2026: expert names key threats and attack directions.

According to ТСН: The war in Ukraine unfortunately will continue into 2026. Russia is doing everything possible to not stop it, trying to seize new territories.

Putin's strategic goals and forecast for 2026

“Unfortunately, the situation at the front is deteriorating. Because so far, alone and even with the help of allies, we cannot raise the Defense Forces' potential to the level necessary to counter the Russians with the main types of weapons, equipment, and ammunition. The most important thing is that we still do not solve our internal strategic task - fair and complete mobilization, transition to a war economy and strengthening legislation for the protection of the state to a state of 'war'. Until this is done, I believe the situation will only worsen,” says the expert.

According to the specialist, the word 'deterioration' refers to the complicated situation that has developed around Siversk, Huliaipole, Myrnohrad. The situation in Sumy region has also added to this, where the Russians managed to invade the border village of Hraborivske.

“The Russians broke into Hraborivske and kidnapped civilians. This is a warning sign for Sumy region – no one was prepared for this, which means the level of readiness was very low. All this requires urgent and systematic changes in addressing defense-related issues. Difficult decisions must be made here and this must be comprehensively addressed,” notes the expert.

According to the expert, Putin will continue to 'push' forward until he feels a force that will stop him.

“As long as the Russians are not stopped, they will continue offensive actions. And the year 2026 will not be exceptional in this regard. The Russian dictator seeks new seized Ukrainian lands, and unfortunately, Trump is not his guide here. The American president, by the way, has similar approaches to Putin's when viewed from the perspective of management algorithms,” emphasizes the expert.

The lieutenant general also notes that due to a similar approach from the USA, Putin feels his own strength and continues the offensive, despite the fact that Russian finances are in a 'difficult state'.

Main attack directions: Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and threat to Kyiv

The expert emphasizes that in 2026 danger will primarily form around the Donetsk region.

“First of all, this concerns the offensive on Konstantynivka and Druzhkivka. As for the capture of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad - it is only a matter of time. We need to think about how to withdraw troops from there and preserve our soldiers as much as possible. It is necessary to continue the fight, strengthen the defense line. This primarily concerns Konstantynivka and Druzhkivka, as well as the large cities Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, where the enemy is concentrated,” notes the expert.

There is also a real threat of further Russian offensive on Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro. “The Russians are slowly advancing there. The example of Huliaipole demonstrates this - most of the city is already under Russian control. It is only a matter of time before they finally capture it and proceed further,” he adds.

The expert also believes that in 2026 there remains a threat of Russian offensive on Kyiv. “The possibility of this threat for the capital from the north is maintained, as well as for Chernihiv region. Everything depends on how events develop with Putin,” explains the lieutenant general.

The necessity of 'state of war', reforms and fair mobilization

The expert believes that to get out of this complicated situation, it is necessary to strengthen the defense of frontline cities and direct all available resources towards defense.

“Unfortunately, the state does not centrally solve the issue of protection, apparently due to a lack of resources. Therefore, I believe that powers need to be transferred to the resistance areas and implemented there, as was done during World War II,” states the expert.

It is also important that mobilization encompasses everyone - civil servants, MPs, law enforcement officials, everyone. “Until people see that mobilization concerns everyone, there will be no sense in this,” says the lieutenant general.

Air attacks and enemy tactics

The situation with shelling Ukrainian cities is unlikely to change in 2026. This is already evident when the Russians choose one region and attack it from the air for several weeks.

“Shelling of Odesa region is the enemy implementing their capabilities. Their goal is to terrorize the civilian population. And the attack on Odesa and the region can be interpreted as Putin's personal revenge for Novorossiysk and burning Russian tankers. Putin does not even hide that they plan to capture Mykolaiv and Odesa,” claims the military expert.

The expert also notes that a state of war needs to be implemented in all frontline cities to concentrate all necessary resources for defense.

“Unfortunately, this concentration is currently lacking, and we all see the result,” summarizes the expert.

The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with a lack of stability at the front. Predictions indicate the possibility of the conflict continuing, and the importance of industrial and military mobilization to maintain the country’s defense capabilities is becoming increasingly obvious. In the face of these challenges, the authorities will have to make decisions that will ensure continuous defense and resilience in the face of the challenges of war.