Putin, According to ISW, Still Trying to Sell the Idea of an “Inevitable” Russian Victory
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a press conference in Moscow, Russia May 9, 2026. REUTERS/Ramil Sitdikov/Pool
ISW: Putin’s latest statements are aimed at projecting an image of an imminent Russian victory in Ukraine, despite signs of declining battlefield effectiveness, as the Kremlin seeks to influence perceptions in both Ukraine and the West.
This is stated in the ISW report.
Analysts analyzed Vladimir Putin’s speech on June 28, during which he stated that Russia supposedly has enough forces, resources, and political will to achieve its goals and also claimed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine were allegedly retreating along the entire front line.
It is noted that these statements are another attempt by the Kremlin to present Russia’s military victory as inevitable and the Ukrainian front as supposedly on the verge of collapse.
“The Kremlin continues to resort to similar rhetorical devices in an attempt to influence the West and Ukraine to yield to Russia’s demands, especially as Russia’s battlefield capability in 2026 continues to decline and Russia’s ability to achieve its goals militarily is in question,” the report says.
Experts also noted that Putin actually acknowledged the impact of the Ukrainian campaign of long-range strikes on Russian territory, although he tried to demonstrate the stability of the situation.
“Putin did not directly discuss Ukraine’s offensive campaign against Russia or the massive gasoline shortages across the country, but he is likely subtly trying to show that he is aware of the economic and social difficulties facing Russia,” the ISW concluded.
The day before, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin said that Russia supposedly controls the situation on the front and does not abandon its strategic goals in the war against Ukraine. He also spoke about the upcoming elections to the State Duma of the Russian Federation, calling them a test of the political system.
By the way, Vladimir Putin acknowledged the fuel shortage at gas stations in Russia and announced a possible complete ban on diesel fuel exports. According to him, the authorities are already using fuel reserves and are preparing additional measures to stabilize the situation.
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