Russian dictator Vladimir Putin told American negotiators at the Kremlin that Russian forces would seize the entire Donbas within a few months. U.S. representative Jared Kushner expressed doubts about that forecast, The New York Times reports.
According to the newspaper, the conversation took place this month during talks between envoys of U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin at the Kremlin. The Russian leader projected confidence, claiming that Russian forces would soon seize the entire Donbas.
Putin also said that Russia was prepared to strike Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, creating conditions for an exceptionally harsh winter.
“With all due respect, Mr. Putin, you told us the same thing a year ago. What are the chances that in a year we will come here again and you will be saying the same thing again? Maybe we should not waste another year?”
Jared Kushner, U.S. representative
The exchange was confirmed by a person familiar with the negotiations and a U.S. official, The New York Times writes. The publication notes that it reflects the difficult position after more than 18 months of efforts by the Trump administration aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Russia has not abandoned its goal of occupying Donbas
Despite heavy losses, the Kremlin has not abandoned its military-political objective of fully occupying Donbas.
In April, the deputy head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence said that Russia was deploying strategic reserves for a new offensive and planned to fully seize Donbas by September. In June, the president said that Russia had postponed its deadline for the complete seizure of Donetsk Oblast and planned to do so by December 31.
