The Kremlin is demonstrating its intention to continue the war against Ukraine, combining territorial threats with preparations for offensive operations and a possible intensification of mobilisation. Dmitry Medvedev has stated that Russia will seize more and more territory from Ukraine. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, Moscow has no plans to conclude a peace agreement before the end of 2026.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n Statement. Medvedeva<\/strong> continues to follow the Russian leadership\u2019s public line on maximalist territorial claims. In July Vladimir Putin<\/strong> stated that Russia would act \u00abresolutely\u00bb and achieve its objective.<\/p>\n The Kremlin is increasingly losing hope of a swift political settlement and is seeking to strengthen its position on the battlefield ahead of any potential negotiations. Russian forces are also preparing for the continuation of hostilities in winter<\/a>; Western officials and analysts believe there may be a new offensive and an intensification of attacks on Ukraine\u2019s civilian and energy infrastructure.<\/p>\n Head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation Andriy Kovalenko<\/strong> stated that Russia is considering the continuation of the war<\/a> at least until 2028. According to Bloomberg, Putin is seeking to establish full control over the Donetsk region, retain the territories he has seized and create buffer zones in northern Ukraine.<\/p>\n At the same time, the objectives stated by the Kremlin do not guarantee a swift outcome on the front line. According to the Institute for the Study of War, at the current rate of advance, it is unlikely that the remainder of the Donetsk region will be captured by 31 December 2026. As of 19 August, Russian forces had launched attacks in the Sloviansk, Dobropillia and Pokrovsk sectors without any confirmed major advances.<\/p>\n\n
Moscow\u2019s public rhetoric does not suggest that the war is coming to an end<\/h2>\n
Moscow links its military plans to control over the Donetsk region<\/h2>\n
Ukraine warns of a possible mobilisation following the State Duma elections<\/h2>\n