Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to sustain combat operations for another year and a half to two years to fully capture the Donetsk region.
As Hvylya reports, The New York Times states this, citing intelligence and military sources from several Western nations.
According to the report, the Kremlin chief is confident of victory and prepared to persist despite immense casualties and slow progress on the front. Sources noted: "Putin is confident that every day of combat and bombing of Ukrainian infrastructure and residential buildings only increases his advantage."
The NYT's sources also disclosed Moscow's stance regarding the new US administration. The Kremlin reportedly welcomes the appointment of Steven Witkoff as the chief US negotiator, though doubts remain regarding his reliability in conveying Russia's position.
"Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is also valued by the Kremlin for his 'organized' and 'structural approach,'" insiders indicated.
However, actual Russian gains on the battlefield remain meager. According to CSIS analysis, the Russian General Staff managed to seize only 0.8 percent of Ukrainian territory last year, and 0.6 percent the year prior.
Cumulative Russian casualties since February 2022 have reached 1.2 million, including 325,000 killed in action. This figure is 17 times higher than Soviet losses in Afghanistan, 11 times the death toll of both Chechen wars, and five times greater than Moscow's combined losses in all armed conflicts since 1945.
Previously, Bloomberg revealed the true objective behind Putin's "peace" negotiations.