Russia gears up for intensified winter offensive on Ukraine
Russia is currently not interested in peace talks with Ukraine. The recently revealed plans for the winter of 2024/2025 suggest that they still intend to seize more territories. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports—citing a source close to the Kremlin—that Vladimir Putin has already set objectives for the soldiers for the coming months.
After Donald Trump's victory, it seemed that the situation in Ukraine would lead to a "crooked" truce. Unfortunately, according to plans revealed by the Wall Street Journal, Russia would retain its gains. However, the problem remains that Vladimir Putin has little intention of ceasing his aggression towards his neighbour.
Moreover, the situation is escalating, as media reports suggest the current US President Joe Biden has permitted Ukraine to attack targets in Russia using American long-range missiles. Following his example, the United Kingdom and France have also allowed Kyiv to use their missiles to target enemy locations. The Kremlin has announced it would respond. However, it seems that Russia intends to capture more cities in the coming months.
Russia's war plan for winter 2024/2025 revealed
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) disclosed information from Mikhail Zvinchuk, a Russian blogger who operates the Rybar channel on Telegram. Previously, he served as a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defence. According to ISW, he may have inside knowledge of the Kremlin's military plans for the coming months. In one of his interviews, he mentioned Putin's intentions for the winter of 2024/2025.
According to the report, the Russians will primarily focus on battles for large cities, such as Pokrovsk, Toretsk, or Kurakhove. They aim to reduce Ukrainian drone attacks in open areas and preserve their armoured vehicles in this manner. Putin's regime spares no resources when it comes to one aspect—human life. It is possible, therefore, that we will witness "meat grinder" attacks, involving the deployment of large numbers of soldiers into battle regardless of human losses.
According to Zvinchuk, Putin's forces are preparing attacks on Pokrovsk from the south. It is a crucial logistics hub, often called the "gateway to capturing Donbas." Its loss would undoubtedly pose a problem for Kyiv. The Russians are also advancing in cities like Chasiv Yar and Kupiansk. The ISW assesses that capturing these areas could endanger the main defensive positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
