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Russian dictator Vladimir Putin believes he is gaining the upper hand on the front and is prepared to fight for full control of Donetsk for another two years, according to The New York Times.
Sources cited by the publication, including Western intelligence and military officials, say Putin sees every day of fighting—and each night of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and residential areas—as advancing Russia’s position. He reportedly expects the campaign to take 18–24 months but views the timeline as advantageous.
Meanwhile, Russian General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov regularly claims “successes” on the battlefield, such as partial control of Kostyantynivka and advances into Lyman. Ukrainian forces repeatedly refute these statements, noting that Russia’s reported victories do not reflect reality, and actual troop activity has failed to achieve major breakthroughs.
