**Breaking News: Russia Plans Major Offensive in Eastern Ukraine**

In a shocking development, a high-ranking Ukrainian military official has revealed that Russia is plotting a significant occupation of Ukrainian territory east of the Dnipro River. This audacious strategy aims not only to seize this critical region but also to cut Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea, raising alarms of an impending escalation in the conflict.

General Richou, speaking on the situation, expressed skepticism about Russia’s ability to effectively execute this ambitious plan, particularly in the Kherson area, where the Dnipro’s width poses formidable logistical challenges. “It requires massive engineering resources and thousands of troops,” he stated, emphasizing that Russia has struggled to maintain supply lines in previous assaults. Despite these hurdles, the Russian military appears undeterred, projecting a long-term vision that encompasses significant territorial gains by 2026.

As tensions mount, the strategic port city of Odessa remains a focal point. Local residents are acutely aware of the Russian ambitions, with President Putin previously labeling Odessa as “Russian territory.” However, the Ukrainian forces have maintained a stronghold in the Black Sea, making a full-scale amphibious operation increasingly unrealistic for Russia. Yet, the consistent threat of attacks on Odessa underscores its importance to Ukraine’s economic lifeline, with approximately 70% of the nation’s exports passing through its port.

With reports indicating that Russian forces aim to capture the entirety of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by this fall, the urgency for Western support is palpable. Ukrainian leaders are sounding the alarm, urging allies to expedite military aid to counteract this looming threat. The situation is rapidly evolving, and the stakes are higher than ever as both sides brace for what could be a decisive phase in the ongoing war. Stay tuned for updates on this critical development.