Ukraine’s top commander says a Russian offensive in Chernihiv Oblast is realistic and that Ukrainian forces are already preparing for the possibility.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said Russia’s leadership has ordered planning for different offensive scenarios, including operations that could involve Belarusian territory. He added that, based on recent developments, he does not believe Belarus would allow its territory to be used as a bridgehead for an attack.

Syrskyi said the most likely scenario is an offensive in the north, with Russian forces acting from the territory of Bryansk Oblast in the Russian Federation toward Chernihiv Oblast. “This is a realistic scenario and, of course, we are preparing for it,” he said.

He argued that opening a new direction of active hostilities would be aimed at pulling Ukrainian troops away from the east and south and extending the length of the front line.