>>508754121
>but Ukrainian defences are strong in these places
We've seen in Sumy that Ukrainians began digging fortifications and evacuating only after Russian forces arrived. And in Kharkov region the defences were already breached in 2022 and 2024.
>Western Ukraine is less militarized and more vulnerable to a surprise cross-border offensive from Belarus.
True, but the troops in Belarus are needed as a deterrent against Poland and NATO. And supplying a force 1000km west would be difficult. There is no sign Belarus would consent to such an operation.