Russia can still ‘win’ Ukraine war, Western officials warn
Vladimir Putin adjusts tactics after ‘humiliation’ for second phase of invasion

Western intelligence officials have warned that Russia could still “win” the war in Ukraine, despite bungling its initial invasion.
“[Vladimir] Putin has clearly failed in meeting his initial pre-war objectives,” an official told Reuters. But he is “still in a position to win”.
The Times, which said the war is now expected to last until the end of the year, reported that Western intelligence suggests Putin has made tactical adjustments after his troops were “humiliated” in the first two months of the invasion.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Putin has appointed an experienced commander to oversee the second phase of Russia’s war effort. General Alexander Dvornikov led Moscow’s intervention in Syria, where he ordered the bombing of Aleppo.
Russia’s troops now outnumber Ukrainian forces in the east three to one and could encircle and “destroy” a significant proportion, officials told The Times. It is also thought that Russia could launch a new assault on Kyiv or cut the Ukrainian capital off from the Black Sea.
The main focus of the war is the eastern Donbas region, which is largely “flat with firm terrain”, said The Times, which will pose fewer problems for Russian artillery and tanks compared to northern Ukraine.
However, added the official, the invasion would remain a “strategic blunder” for Russia given the substantial losses its army has suffered and the way the conflict has changed Europe’s security architecture to Russia’s detriment.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that Russia’s gains in the east of the country are only temporary. In his latest daily address, he said: “They can only delay the inevitable, the time when the invaders will have to leave our territory.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Ukraine scrambles as Trump cuts weapons deliveries
Speed Read The halting of weapons shipments was driven by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, a Ukraine funding skeptic
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
Trump says Putin vowed retaliation for Kyiv strike
speed read The Russian president intends to respond to Ukraine's weekend drone strikes on Moscow's warplanes
-
Why are military experts so interested in Ukraine's drone attack?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION The Zelenskyy government's massive surprise assault on Russian airfields was a decisive tactical victory — could it also be the start of a new era in autonomous warfare?
-
Ukraine hits Russia's bomber fleet in stealth drone attack
speed read The operation, which destroyed dozens of warplanes, is the 'biggest blow of the war against Moscow's long-range bomber fleet'
-
Is Trump giving up on Ukraine-Russia peace?
Today's Big Question White House says president is 'weary and frustrated' with conflict
-
Trump drops ceasefire demand after Putin call
speed read Following a phone call with Russia's president, Trump backed off an earlier demand that Putin agree to an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine
-
Putin talks nukes as Kyiv slated for US air defenses
speed read 'I hope they will not be required,' Putin said of nuclear weapons on Russian state TV