The Kremlin has launched a cognitive warfare campaign to seize Donetsk region — ISW
The Russian Federation is attempting to artificially create the illusion of Ukraine’s inevitable defeat in order to force Kyiv to voluntarily surrender the unoccupied areas of Donetsk region.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Moscow is resorting to information pressure because it has proven unable to capture these territories on the battlefield.
On March 31, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed shocking details of the Russian ultimatum.
According to him, the Kremlin demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the remaining territories of Donetsk region within the next two months.
“Russia is demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the rest of Donetsk region within two months, including the heavily fortified Ukrainian Fortress Belt,” Zelenskyy stated.
Experts believe that by this term, the occupiers mean a deadline by the end of May 2026.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov supported this information campaign by spreading disinformation about the critical situation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He claims that Ukraine allegedly needs “any” ceasefire due to the negative dynamics on the front lines.
“Ukraine needs any ceasefire, as the dynamics on the front are not in Ukraine’s favor, and Russian troops are advancing along the entire front line,” Peskov stated.
However, ISW analysts emphasize that these claims are completely false and manipulative.
Experts note that Russia unsuccessfully attempted to capture the “Fortress Belt” as early as 2014 and 2022.
Since the beginning of 2026, the enemy’s advance has slowed noticeably, and the occupying forces have yet to demonstrate the ability to quickly encircle major cities.
The optimism of Russian officials stands in stark contrast to the actual complaints from Russian “war correspondents” about the difficult situation on the front lines.
The invaders themselves describe the spring-summer offensive of 2026 as “slow and costly,” which undermines Peskov’s propaganda narrative.
As a reminder, Russia has issued an ultimatum to Ukraine: Kyiv has two months to withdraw from Donbas, or there will be “other conditions for peace.”
Also, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that if Russia stops its strikes on energy infrastructure, Ukraine will respond in kind.
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