Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
It also showed that Putin is committed to his theory on how to achieve a long-term Russian victory.
It also showed that Putin is committed to his theory on how to achieve a long-term Russian victory.
What is happening?
On October 7, Putin convened top military and security officials, including the heads of the Ministry of Defense, General Staff, and FSB, as well as commanders from various Russian military units.
The meeting served as a platform to reinforce Russia’s narrative of progress and control, and during the meeting, it became clear that Putin remains committed to his theory on how Russia can achieve long-term victory in Ukraine.
Putin claims major territorial gains
Putin stated that Russian forces had seized 4,900 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2025 — an area roughly the size of Delaware.
However, independent assessments from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest the actual figure is closer to 3,561 square kilometers.
Talk of Ukrainian retreat across the front
According to Putin, Ukrainian troops are withdrawing “along the entire line of contact.”
He also boasted that Russia’s defense industry is now supplying weapons and equipment faster than ever, keeping pace with battlefield needs.
Gerasimov echoes Putin’s optimism
Russian Chief of the General Staff, Army General Valery Gerasimov, claimed that Russian forces are making advances in “practically all directions” along the front.
None of these claims have been independently verified, and international observers have previously questioned the claims about Russian advancement.
Attrition as a long-term strategy
Putin’s vision assumes Russia can continue grinding forward while Ukraine struggles to mount a significant counteroffensive.
His theory of victory hinges on demoralizing Ukraine and wearing down Western resolve to continue military support.
Dismissal of diplomatic solutions
Putin shows no sign of backing down from his maximalist demands.
He remains unwilling to consider any negotiation that doesn’t end in Ukraine’s full capitulation — a stance that shuts the door on meaningful diplomacy for now.
War goals from 2021–2022 remain unchanged
Despite shifting battlefield dynamics, Kremlin leadership continues to pursue the original objectives set out at the start of the invasion.
These include the full subjugation of Ukraine and a strategic defeat of Western influence in the region.
Prolonged war by design
Putin’s rhetoric makes it clear: the Kremlin sees time as its ally.
Russia is prepared to extend the war for as long as necessary to force a favourable outcome — even if that means years of fighting and rising costs on all sides.
With no real concessions on the table and a continued belief in victory through attrition, Russia appears poised to dig in for the long haul.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
