Ukrainian military officials and analysts warn of an imminent major Russian offensive in Donetsk as discussions for peace yield little progress. Russia's rejection of ceasefire calls indicates its intent to continue military operations, with President Putin reaffirming his ambition to control the region. The ongoing airstrikes signal a significant escalation, as Russia aims to distract Ukrainian forces on multiple fronts. With the loss of momentum in previous pushes, this summer presents a critical juncture for Russia to consolidate gains before potential resource depletion due to sanctions and casualties.
Russia is expected to mount a major offensive this summer against Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region which it has been trying to conquer since the beginning of the war.
Controlling Donetsk region in its entirety has been a priority for Putin since he failed to capture Kyiv at the start of the war in 2022.
U.S. analysts have said that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears confident that he can still win the war militarily though sanctions and heavy casualties may be slowly eroding Russia's war machine.
While Russia insists it is interested in discussing peace, it claims a cessation of hostilities can only come by addressing the 'root causes' of the conflict.
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