Putin Drives Home a Perilous Point: Ukraine's East Is Russia's Main Goal
Briefly

President Vladimir V. Putin emphasized at an international conference that maintaining Moscow's offensive in the Donbas region is a critical military priority, portraying Ukrainian efforts as distractions. He argued that Ukraine's recent territorial gains in the Kursk region were ultimately inconsequential and suggested that the move to redirect Russian troop deployments did not significantly disrupt their operations. This narrative aims to reinforce the image of Russian resolve amidst ongoing conflict.
Analysts note that Ukraine's offensive into Russian territory serves multiple purposes beyond immediate territorial gains. While it attempted to distract and divert Russian troops, it also acts as a morale booster for Ukrainian forces and establishes a potential buffer zone, which could provide leverage in future cease-fire discussions. This strategy underlines a tactical shift in the conflict, showing that Russia is not without vulnerabilities, thereby challenging the narrative of their military invincibility.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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