U
S. intelligence confirms: Putin is determined to win in Ukraine and has no plans to retreat According to internal sources within American intelligence, Vladimir Putin continues to support a strategy aimed at achieving victory in the war against Ukraine, despite significant losses and prolonged conflict. In the annual report “Global Threat Assessment – 2025,” prepared by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) for Congress, detailed forecasts are outlined regarding Moscow’s future plans. The document states that Moscow is still pursuing a policy of attrition, aiming to undermine Ukraine’s resistance capabilities, demoralize the civilian population, and wait for Western support to weaken. Analysis indicates that, despite slowing Russian troop advances, the Kremlin leadership considers this situation entirely acceptable and strategically justified. “Putin is almost certainly still committed to achieving his primary goal — establishing Ukraine as a neutral state and further dividing the Ukrainian nation,” the report states. Moreover, given the absence of official transitional negotiations or significant military aid from the West, the situation on the battlefield is likely to continue evolving in Russia’s favor, albeit with substantial difficulties. Indicators of this development include the noticeable slowdown in Russian forces’ advances and increased losses. According to U.S. intelligence, since the start of the full-scale war, Russia has suffered substantial human and technical losses. Specifically, Russian military casualties have exceeded 700,000 personnel, with at least 170,000 killed in action or dying from wounds. Additionally, over 10,000 military vehicles, including approximately 3,000 tanks, have been destroyed. Around 250 aircraft, including helicopters, have also been lost. Despite these enormous human and material costs, Russian forces continue aggressive offensives in eastern Ukraine, mobilizing additional troops. Reports also indicate the involvement of over 10,000 North Korean soldiers to support Russia’s offensive in the Kursk direction. Russia is also actively deploying modern weapons—kamikaze drones and long-range missiles. These attacks targeting critical Ukrainian infrastructure are intended to break the will of the Ukrainian population to resist, increasing economic and humanitarian pressure. The report highlights that such tactics could have long-term consequences for Ukraine’s stability, aiming to exhaust it and transition it into a neutral or fragmented state. Regarding Moscow’s objectives, the document states that Putin and his military leaders have not abandoned their post-war intentions, including imposing neutrality on Ukraine, limiting its military potential, and further dividing the country. It emphasizes that Moscow is satisfied with the slow but steady progress, as this strategy allows it to drain Ukrainian resources and weaken Western support. The background of this analysis dates back to 2022, when American intelligence began closely examining the rational considerations behind Kremlin decisions related to the war. Currently, these data confirm that Moscow seeks to achieve its strategic goals by any means, demonstrating readiness to endure significant sacrifices and hoping to gain positional advantages in the long term. In summary, the situation in Ukraine remains tense and unpredictable. It is evident that Putin and his team do not intend to retreat but continue searching for opportunities to consolidate their positions, while waiting for their strategic advantages to strengthen through exhaustion and demoralization of Ukrainian society. Western analysts continue to monitor this process, emphasizing that the situation could change either under special external circumstances or if Ukraine receives substantial military support. But for now, Putin remains resolute and unwavering in his desire to secure final victory.