In a significant statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Moscow’s primary goal in Ukraine is the capture of the Donbas region. This declaration came during a forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, where Putin addressed the ongoing war and Russia’s military operations. He highlighted that Russia’s army is progressively pushing back Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, following a surprise incursion by Kyiv in early August.
Putin’s comments come amid Russia’s intensified offensive in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donbas. The war, now in its 30th month, has seen Russia adapt its objectives after its initial failure to capture Kyiv in 2022. Putin’s claims of progress in Kursk and the focus on capturing the Donbas indicate a shifting strategy and renewed focus on these regions.
According to Putin, Kyiv’s offensive into Kursk was a strategic failure, designed to divert Russian resources and disrupt their advance in the Donbas. He stated, “The aim of the enemy (in Kursk) was to force us to worry, hustle, divert troops and to stop our offensive in key areas, especially in the Donbas, the liberation of which is our main primary objective.” He further argued that Ukraine’s move into Kursk ultimately weakened their forces in the Donbas, allowing Russia to accelerate its offensive operations in the region.
Putin, who appeared visibly rattled by Ukraine’s initial incursion into Kursk, asserted that Russian forces have stabilized the situation and are gradually pushing back Ukrainian troops from the border region. He emphasized the importance of protecting Russian citizens and stated, “It is the holy duty of the Russian army to do everything to throw out the enemy from this territory and to protect our citizens.”
Putin’s recent comments, coupled with his earlier vow to “deal with” the Ukrainian forces in Kursk, indicate a hardening of Moscow’s stance in the region. The ongoing military operations and Putin’s pronouncements highlight the volatile nature of the war and the evolving dynamics of the conflict.
