Russia plans to seize Donbas by fall and raise the stakes in negotiations — FT
According to Western media reports, the Russian military command has promised Vladimir Putin to capture the entire Donbas region by fall.
The Financial Times reports this, citing a number of sources familiar with the situation.
According to the publication’s sources, Russian military officials are reporting to Putin that the Ukrainian army is allegedly exhausted and the front lines are gradually weakening. At the same time, according to the FT, not all analysts share these assessments.
It is also noted that following potential successes in Donbas, the Kremlin may strengthen its position in negotiations and make new territorial demands on Ukraine.
One of the publication’s sources said that Putin has been repeatedly urged to agree to a ceasefire without additional conditions, but he refuses to compromise.
At the same time, FT sources emphasize that a rapid breakthrough by Russian forces remains unlikely, as the pace of Russia’s advance has slowed significantly.
According to the publication, the Ukrainian side continues to strike at the enemy’s rear facilities, particularly logistics hubs, warehouses, and troop deployment sites, which complicates the supply and rotation of Russian forces.
Some of the FT’s sources also claim that the Kremlin’s strategic goals may extend beyond the Donbas—all the way to control over Ukraine along the Dnipro River, including Kyiv and Odesa.
Putin himself, it is noted, has recently spoken more frequently about creating a so-called “security zone” deep within Ukrainian territory, which, according to analysts, may indicate an expansion of Moscow’s ambitions.
Russian occupation forces have officially launched the active phase of their spring offensive, so a significant escalation of the situation is not expected in the near future.
At the same time, since the beginning of 2026, Ukrainian forces have significantly increased strikes on Russian military targets, particularly on the enemy’s logistics, equipment, and personnel. These actions have noticeably hampered the Russian army’s ability to conduct offensive operations on the front lines.
