Russia intensifies winter war efforts amid escalating tensions
Russia is currently not interested in peace talks with Ukraine. War plans for the winter of 2024/2025 indicate they still aim to capture more territory. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports—citing a source from Kremlin circles—that Vladimir Putin has already set objectives for the soldiers for the upcoming months.
After Donald Trump's victory, it seemed 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. The problem, however, is that Vladimir Putin apparently has no desire to cease his aggression towards his neighbour.
Moreover, the situation is escalating, because according to media reports, the current U.S. President Joe Biden has agreed for Ukraine to attack targets in Russia with American long-range missiles. Following his lead, the United Kingdom and France also allowed Kyiv to use their missiles to strike targets on enemy territory. The Kremlin announced it would respond. Even without this, it seems Russia plans 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 runs the Rybar channel on Telegram. In the past, he worked as a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defence. According to ISW, he may be privy to the Kremlin's military plans for the coming months. In one interview, the blogger discussed Putin's intentions for the winter of 2024/2025.
According to reports, 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. Putin's regime spares no expense in one area—human life. Consequently, we might witness "meat attacks"—deploying a massive number of soldiers into battle regardless of casualties.
According to Zvinchuk, Putin's forces are preparing attacks on Pokrovsk from the southern direction. It is a vital centre in terms of logistics. Some call Pokrovsk the "gateway to capturing Donbas." Its loss would certainly pose a problem for Kyiv. Russians are also advancing in cities like Chasiv Yar and Kupiansk. The ISW assesses that capturing these cities could threaten the main defensive positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
