During a closed-door meeting with Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to media reports, asked for American Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of about 2,500 kilometers. Zelensky himself told Axios that he had requested long-range weapons from Trump, who replied that “we will work on it.” Axios reported that these missiles are so far the only weapons Trump has refused to sell to European countries for transfer to Kyiv.
Against this backdrop, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had been briefed by Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg and new US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz about a possible Ukrainian offensive that would require US intelligence support. Trump himself has said that, with help from the European Union, Ukraine is capable of regaining all occupied territory.
Some experts interviewed by Novaya Gazeta Europe argue that the Ukrainian armed forces currently lack the strength for a large-scale ground operation. Former SBU officer Ivan Stupak called such plans doubtful, citing manpower shortages and continued loss of positions. Reserve colonel Roman Svitan likewise said Ukraine lacks the resources for an operational offensive: missile strikes and tactical counterattacks are possible, but not a strategic breakthrough.
Other sources say Kyiv is still building reserves. BBC Russian military analyst Ilya Abishev said the Ukrainian army relies on rotations, tactical and operational reserves, while strategic reserves continue to form in the rear. Expert David Gendelman said that, depending on scale, Ukraine may still be able to assemble forces for a counteroffensive, although no major action has yet been seen.
Ukrainian serviceman Konstantin S. said troops discuss how some personnel and equipment remain in the rear even as several sectors face shortages. Military analyst David Sharp recalled that Ukraine has carried out surprise operations before, but stressed that any new offensive would require seasoned units and lessons drawn from the failed 2023 campaign. In his view, Russia is likely preparing for such a scenario as well.