Asger Risom
A senior Ukrainian official has told U.S. lawmakers that Russia is preparing to sever Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea in 2026.
Russia’s war in Ukraine shows no signs of winding down. While battlefield dynamics remain focused on eastern and southern fronts, Kyiv says the Kremlin’s strategic aims are growing more ambitious — and more dangerous — heading into 2026.
A Ukrainian delegation visiting Washington has delivered a stark warning: Moscow is planning new offensives that could sever Ukraine’s vital access to the Black Sea.
Black Sea in Kremlin’s Crosshairs
Colonel Pavlo Palissa, deputy chief of staff to Ukraine’s president, told U.S. officials that Moscow is preparing to occupy all territory east of the Dnipro River by the end of next year. The ultimate goal, he warned, is to capture the southern regions of Odesa and Mykolaiv.
These areas provide Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea — a key trade route and security buffer. Without them, Ukraine would be effectively landlocked.
As reported by Digi24, Palissa described the intelligence findings to U.S. lawmakers and stressed the urgency of the threat.
They have plans even for 2026. The plan for next year is to occupy the entire part of Ukraine on the left bank of the Dnipro,
said Palissa.
He also noted that Russia hopes to finish taking Donetsk and Luhansk by September and create a “buffer zone” at the border by the end of 2025.
Ukraine Seeks More U.S. Pressure on Russia
Andrii Yermak, who led the delegation, pressed the U.S. to impose additional sanctions on Moscow. He argued that international pressure remains the only path to serious peace talks.
We need to create the right atmosphere for Russia to enter negotiations — not just for show, but for real negotiations,
Yermak told reporters following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Despite efforts to resume diplomacy, progress has stalled. A second round of Turkey-mediated talks this week failed to deliver a ceasefire. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump confirmed he had a “good conversation” with Vladimir Putin, but admitted it was unlikely to “lead to immediate peace.”
Palissa concluded with a grim assessment:
“Unfortunately, they’re not talking about peace. They’re preparing for war.”