To completely take over Donbas, Russia needs two more years, writes The New York Times, citing estimates from Western intelligence services, Focus reports.
According to them, Vladimir Putin believes he is winning the war with Ukraine and does not intend to agree to a ceasefire, but is only buying time through negotiations.
“He is convinced that even if it takes 18 months to two years to establish full control over Donbas, every day of fighting and every night when Russian missiles and drones fall on energy infrastructure and residential buildings provide him with more advantages“, the publication says.
At the same time, the publication notes that in recent months the Russian economy has been facing deep problems, while Donald Trump persistently offers the Kremlin large investments in Russia in the event of an end to the war.
"Given these dynamics, some analysts suggest that Putin could still reach an agreement to end the fighting in Ukraine, especially if he secures a broad rapprochement with the United States and the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the rest of the Donbas,“ writes the NYT.
There will be no peace! Vladimir Putin wants Donbas and plans to fight for two more years
Putin believes he is winning the war with Ukraine and does not intend to agree to a ceasefire, but is only buying time through negotiations
Feb 18, 2026 22:17 62
