The Russian president Vladimir Putin intends to occupy all territory of Ukraine located east of the Dnipro River in 2026 and isolate the country from the Black Sea. This was reported during a visit by the Ukrainian delegation to Washington by the deputy head of the President’s Office, Colonel Pavlo Palisa.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Russia’s Strategic Plans for Ukraine
According to information provided by Ukrainian military intelligence to journalists, Moscow aims to strengthen its influence in eastern Ukraine. Among the priorities is the complete capture of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by this autumn, as well as the establishment of a buffer zone along the northern border with the Russian Federation by the end of the year.
Palisa emphasized that in 2026, the plan is to occupy all Ukrainian territory east of the Dnipro. In addition, Russia wants to seize the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, which would effectively deprive Ukraine of access to the Black Sea. This region is critically important for the export of Ukrainian grain and ensuring the economic stability of the state.
“Data from Ukrainian military intelligence shared with journalists on Wednesday evening indicates that Moscow seeks to expand its influence in eastern Ukraine. This includes the capture of the entire Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the autumn, followed by the establishment of a buffer zone along the northern border with Russia by the end of the year,” the publication quotes Palisa.
Negotiations in Istanbul and Ukraine’s Position
After the second round of negotiations in Istanbul, Ukraine concluded that Russia is not interested in achieving peace. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasized that Russia did not respond to Ukrainian proposals for ending the war. The Ukrainian side submitted a relevant document ahead of the meeting but received no reaction during or after the negotiations.
First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia reported that the Russian side is rejecting the idea of a complete ceasefire, despite Kyiv’s initiative for an unconditional cessation of hostilities. The Russian Federation delegation only presented its own memorandum during the negotiations on June 2, and Kyiv is currently analyzing these proposals.
Ukraine and the United States insist on an immediate unconditional ceasefire; however, Russia does not agree to these terms, complicating the achievement of agreements on a lasting truce and stability in the region.