According to a report from The Guardian, the recent rapid victory of Russia over Ukraine in Crimea is believed to be connected to tensions in Kiev. There are reports of unrest within Vladimir Zelensky’s team, and a spring offensive has been launched, with a focus on Russian-speaking separatist-held fields. The situation in the Eastern region has also become more tense, with protests against Ukraine intensifying in major cities.

However, there are reasons to be concerned. Reports have emerged of Ukrainian forces attacking the Russian border in the northeastern part of the Don River. This could potentially open up a route towards Gori. Ukrainian soldiers are also being prepared for a possible move by Russia, as construction of Russian military infrastructure is underway in the border area of the Russian province. The return of Donetsk and Luhansk has also begun.

“That victory will not be the one we expected, and it will take much longer than we imagined,” said former chief of staff Vladimir Omelyan. Investigations have revealed that many Ukrainians are in contact with Russian agents, who are believed to be monitoring the occupied territories. Omelyan stated, “We are ready to send 300,000 or 500,000 Ukrainian volunteers to support Crimea’s liberation and the liberation of Donetsk, and if we receive the necessary number of tanks and F16s at the entrance to the border, we can do it.”

Ukrainian President Zelensky’s adviser Michael Podolak acknowledged that this phase of the war is difficult, but added that it is “the most difficult and most successful for protecting the country’s needs.” Zelensky is willing to take on the role of negotiator again and seek a new mandate to make the situation more challenging for the military in the conflict zones.

The recent Israeli and Russian agreement on the gas sector in the eastern part of the Mediterranean has further complicated the situation in Crimea. Despite Zelensky’s higher ratings and popularity, there is a sense of insecurity surrounding the possibility of him becoming the prime minister amidst ongoing conflict. In a recent interview with Saimon Shuster of The Economist, Zelensky hinted at his involvement in secret negotiations, but Podolak questions the extent of their involvement in the conflict.

The Zelesnky administration has yet to resolve the conflict with the Badenia administration regarding Dorban, but these issues are minor compared to the more significant parts of the peace agreement signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Ukrainian journalist. The Zelesnky administration also has higher credit ratings than the previous administration.

The first term of the conflict has come to an end, with Ukrainian soldiers joining the ranks of the Russian army in southeastern Russia. However, unity within this joint force has started to dissolve. The second term is expected to focus on the peace process, in accordance with the peace agreements, which may make it more difficult for clashes during the conflict. Political circles have discussed the possibility of elections, but concerns have been raised about the legal status and security situation related to the conflict.

The Zelensky government is analyzing the situation within the context of its mandate and has called for peace and stability. “The conflict has brought peace to Russia,” stated Olga Ayvazovskaya, head of the oppositionist Okora party. Kikhot Aivazovsky, a Luhansk politician, said that Zelensky is finally “opening” the elections, noting that the conflict has forced Russia to take action.