Russia has not abandoned its intention to expand control over new territories of Ukraine, and after Donbas, its next target could be Kharkiv.
Modern.az reports that the influential American publication "Foreign Affairs" writes about this.
The article notes that although the Russian army attempted to capture the city of Pokrovsk as early as November 2024, the plan failed due to the resistance of Ukrainian forces. Currently, despite Moscow “being a year behind schedule,” fighting continues, and Russian drones are complicating the logistical capabilities of the Ukrainian army.
The publication states that the battle for Pokrovsk is only part of a large-scale offensive. Russian troops are attempting to encircle Ukrainian positions, while advances along the Dnieper pose a direct threat to the city of Zaporizhzhia.
According to experts, if Russia succeeds in Donbas, it will target Kharkiv in the next phase. The capture of this city would strengthen Moscow's plans for full control over the eastern part of Ukraine.
The publication writes that the “tragic irony” of the past nine months is that while discussions about a ceasefire and negotiations are taking place internationally, Russia has increased the intensity of fighting: “The Kremlin is trying to break Ukraine's spirit of resistance both on the front and through strikes on cities.”
Neither Russia nor Ukraine is yet ready for peace. Despite US diplomatic efforts, Putin has not backed down from his “maximalist demands” and is only prepared to stop the war at the cost of Ukraine's sovereignty.
The publication claims that Russia is acting according to a three-stage plan. First, it aims to consolidate the territories it has occupied and seize new regions, including Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Odesa oblasts. Subsequently, it will attempt to force Ukraine to accept a ceasefire and establish control in Kyiv through economic pressure and political turmoil. In the long term, the goal is to transform Ukraine into a state dependent on Russia.
Experts warn that the upcoming winter could be decisive for Ukraine: “Russia is producing an unprecedented number of missiles, and Ukraine's energy system can no longer supply electricity to all parts of the country. If Russia increases this advantage, it may attempt to force Ukraine into submission in 2026.”
