Putin Asserts Russia Will Seize Donbas, Reiterates War Goals

President Vladimir Putin has firmly stated that Russia will assert control over the Donbas region of Ukraine, along with other southern and eastern territories. In an interview with India Today on October 26, 2023, Putin declared, “It all comes down to this. Either we liberate these territories by force of arms, or Ukrainian troops leave these territories and stop fighting there.” His comments come as he prepares for a visit to New Delhi, where he is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Modi.

Putin’s remarks underscore his steadfast commitment to Russia’s territorial ambitions in Ukraine, even as peace negotiations are being pursued by American officials. His assertion comes amid ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the conflict, indicating that he remains unwilling to compromise on his objectives.

As of now, Russian forces reportedly control approximately 80 percent of the Donbas region, which includes the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk. This week, Russia announced the capture of the city of Pokrovsk, a claim that Ukraine disputes. The ongoing conflict has seen significant territorial gains for Russia, leading to heightened tensions and international scrutiny.

The situation in Donbas was a focal point in a controversial 28-point plan proposed during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which faced criticism from Ukrainian and European officials for being disproportionately favorable to Russia. An updated version of this plan attempted to address some of these concerns, but meetings between U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Putin have not yielded any breakthroughs. Instead, the Kremlin has shifted blame onto Europe, accusing it of obstructing the peace process.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently insisted that Ukraine will not concede Donbas in any ceasefire agreement, asserting that such a concession would provide a strategic advantage to Putin for future military actions. The conflict has not only drawn in regional actors but has also captured the attention of the international community, with various nations expressing concern over the ongoing violence and humanitarian implications.

The geopolitical landscape continues to evolve as both sides remain entrenched in their positions, making the prospect of peace increasingly elusive. As Putin prepares for his diplomatic engagements in New Delhi, the international community watches closely for any signs of a shift in strategy or willingness to negotiate terms that could lead to a resolution of the conflict.