Putin sets new deadline for capturing Donbas after 15 failed attempts – ISW

Russian President Vladimir Putin has tasked Russian troops with capturing the entire Donetsk region by December 31, 2026. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believes that Russia is unlikely to be able to capture the entire Donbas by the end of the year.

This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Analysts cite a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on August 23. According to him, Putin ordered the Russian army to complete the capture of the Donetsk region by the end of 2026.

The main targets of Russian forces in the Donetsk region remain Kostyantynivka, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk. These cities are part of a well-fortified Ukrainian defense line, which ISW analysts call the “belt of fortresses.”

According to ISW estimates, Russian forces currently control about 21,170 square kilometers, or 79.89% of Donetsk Oblast. In Luhansk Oblast, about 26,620 square kilometers, or 99.77% of the territory, are under Russian control.

ISW noted that since 2022, Putin has already set the Russian army 15 different deadlines for the complete capture of the Donetsk region. The Russian troops have not met any of them.

Analysts emphasize that the Kremlin’s plans do not correspond to the real situation on the battlefield. According to their assessment, Russian troops are unlikely to be able to capture all of Donbas by the end of 2026.

It was previously reported that North Korea continues to supply Russia with weapons and prepare a new contingent of troops for dispatch to the Russian Federation. According to South Korea’s estimates, Pyongyang has already transferred more than 15 million artillery shells to Moscow.

Let us remind you that Russian occupation troops are advancing in the Kramatorsk district of the Donetsk region.