Bloomberg: Europe on alert as Russia readies fresh attack on Ukraine

European leaders are increasingly concerned that Russia may launch a new offensive on Ukraine as they meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv, Bloomberg reports.

At a recent security council meeting in Toulon, German and French officials reportedly discussed the massing of Russian troops outside Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian-held stronghold in the eastern Donetsk region. Zelenskyy warned on August 29 that Russia had positioned around 100,000 soldiers near the city, which Moscow has unsuccessfully attempted to encircle for over a year. Capturing Pokrovsk could pave the way for a Russian assault on larger cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, as Moscow seeks control over the entire Donetsk region.

The upcoming gathering of the so-called “coalition of the willing” in Paris aims to finalise European-level discussions on post-war security assurances for Ukraine. Leaders will also engage with US President Donald Trump to secure clarity on Washington’s role, including potential sanctions against Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron said on September 3, standing alongside Zelenskyy, that Europe is ready to provide security guarantees to Kyiv.

Dutch and Polish prime ministers are expected to attend in person, while British, Italian, and German leaders, along with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, will join via video conference. Despite Trump’s recent diplomatic efforts, including a meeting with Putin in Alaska, Moscow has shown no willingness to commit to a ceasefire. While the US president has threatened sanctions, none have yet been imposed.

European discussions are exploring possible post-war troop deployments in Ukraine, a measure that remains controversial among allies and unacceptable to Russia. Trump has ruled out sending US troops but suggested the US may provide air and intelligence support.

Meanwhile, Russia’s summer offensive has produced minimal territorial gains, capturing only 2,033 square kilometres between May and August—roughly 0.3% of Ukraine’s total area. Russian air attacks have intensified, making July the deadliest month for civilians in Ukraine since May 2022, with 589 killed and 1,152 wounded. An August 28 attack on Kyiv killed at least 25 people.

By Vugar Khalilov