Putin is ready to fight for Donbas for up to two more years

Putin believes he is winning and is ready to fight for up to two more years

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin is convinced that Russia has an advantage in the war against Ukraine and is able to bring the fighting to full control of Donbas. This was reported by The New York Times with reference to representatives of the military and intelligence community of several Western countries.

According to the newspaper's sources, the Kremlin admits that in order to complete the establishment of control over the region, it may take from 18 months to two years further hostilities.

Betting on pressure and a protracted war

According to NYT interlocutors, Moscow believes that daily fighting and regular missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and residential areas are gradually increasing Russia's negotiating position.

Such a strategy involves exhausting Ukraine and its partners, as well as creating conditions under which Kyiv can agree to political concessions.

The context of international negotiations

The Western intelligence assessments came amid intensified diplomatic contacts between the US, Ukraine and Russia on a possible end to the war.
At the same time, the Kremlin's belief in its own superiority may make it difficult to reach quick agreements and indicate Moscow's readiness to protracted conflict.