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Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasingly determined to assert control over the Donbas region, with his military top brass claiming that a full seizure of the area could be achieved by the autumn, according to sources close to the Kremlin.
According to an article published by the Financial Times, top Russian military commanders have convinced Putin that their forces may be able to capture the entirety of the Donbas region, a long-standing objective for the Kremlin. The ambitious goal marks a significant escalation of Russian ambitions in the conflict-ridden region, which has seen intense fighting between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces.
In a bid to achieve this ambitious target, sources suggest that Putin has shown reluctance to compromise on existing territorial gains. A close associate of the Kremlin revealed that Putin has flatly rejected calls to stabilize the current front lines, insisting that concessions are not an option. This hardline stance is likely to have significant implications for ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which may be further complicated by Putin’s determination to achieve a comprehensive victory in the Donbas.
The implications of Russia’s renewed push for control in the Donbas are considerable. A victory by autumn, as claimed by the Russian military, would be a major propaganda coup for Putin, allowing him to present himself as a decisive leader who has successfully achieved a significant objective. In the short-term, this could further bolster Putin’s domestic approval ratings, already riding high following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Moreover, a full capture of the Donbas region is likely to lay the groundwork for Russia’s more ambitious territorial ambitions. Sources close to the Kremlin suggest that Putin plans to use any success in the Donbas to demand further territorial concessions in future ceasefire talks, potentially including parts of the strategic regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
These developments are a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges surrounding diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With international pressure mounting on both sides to negotiate a peaceful resolution, a hardline stance from Putin could have significant long-term implications for the region and the wider global community. As the stakes continue to escalate, the international community is likely to remain closely attuned to developments in the Donbas, where a critical chapter in the conflict is fast unfolding.