Putin and Gerasimov signal "Victory Plans" in Ukraine: the Russian Federation pushes the event for concessions - ISW

On September 18, Putin stated that there are more than 700,000 Russian soldiers in the occupied territories of Ukraine. The head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Valery Gerasimov emphasized that "the offensive of the invaders continues on almost all fronts. " All of these statements correspond to Putin's victory theory, analysts say.

Moscow is confident in the presence of resources and combat capabilities to extend the offensive on Ukraine for an indefinite period for the purpose of victory. At the same time, the Russian Federation will be able to "wait" the support of Ukraine by the countries of the West and the ability of Ukraine's defense forces to resist aggression. ISW reminds that Putin has repeatedly declared his belief that his army would reach all military goals on the battlefield, even with a low rate.

The Kremlin pushes Ukraine and the West for concessions by Putin's maximalist demands and the fear of the inevitable strengthening of Russian aggression. Meanwhile, on September 18, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov repeated his readiness for a compromise for war in Ukraine only if the "legitimate interests of the security" of the Russian Federation, as well as the interests of Russians living in Ukraine.

Under these terms, Kremlin officials, including laurel, mean the initial requirements of the Russian Federation. Moscow continues to insist that they will reach their military or diplomatic way. ISW analysts believe that Russia's victory in Ukraine is not inevitable. Russian successes on the battlefield get an expensive price - big losses.

As a confirmation, the Institute cites the statement of the Commander -in -Chief of the Armed Forces Alexander Sirsky that from January 2025 the invaders lost 299 210 people killed and wounded. "The losses were disproportionately high compared to the number of occupied territory of Ukraine," the ISW conclusions. We will remind, in the Kharkiv region the Russians seek to seize the railway station "Kupyansk-nodst", which goes to the city of Valuyki.