Russia intends to conduct offensive operations until autumn and will not pursue a peace agreement, according to ISW.

The Kremlin, evidently, does not plan to end the war in the coming months, as the Russian General Staff is preparing operations that may last until summer, and possibly even autumn. This is stated in a new report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

"The Russian command is likely operating under the assumption or direct knowledge that President Vladimir Putin has no intention of ceasing the war in Ukraine anytime soon," analysts say.

This conclusion is partly based on the activity of Russian forces along the Kupiansk-Borovaya-Lyman line. Attempts to encircle Kupiansk and seize other territories in the Kharkiv region will almost certainly require months of effort from the aggressor to advance another 30 kilometers and capture a number of small settlements along the way, while maintaining logistics through the Oskol River.

Ukrainian and Russian military bloggers suggest that the Russian military command may be planning to capture the city of Velykyi Burluk to establish a continuous front line from Vovchansk in the north to Kupiansk in the south. Currently, Russian troops are situated 30-35 kilometers from Velykyi Burluk, and according to ISW estimates, they will need between six months to a year for a slow, grueling advance to this city.

"Russian commanders appear unconcerned about the speed or sequence of their advances in Ukraine, likely because they believe the war will continue until Russia achieves military victory over Ukraine," analysts state.

By analyzing Putin's public statements, ISW has come to the conclusion that the Russian dictator has formulated a theory of victory that relies on a gradual, creeping advance in Ukraine, which could potentially continue indefinitely. In negotiations, he will demand everything, or he will take it over time through military means. The Russian military command is evidently basing its plans on this position, analysts say.

War in Ukraine: Latest News

As reported by UNIAN, in January, Russia occupied 325 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory. This is significantly less than what the Russians managed to capture from August to November, and slightly less than in December.

We also reported that in January, the Russians set a record for the number of drones launched at Ukraine - 2,599. The average number of launches was 77 "Shaheds" per day. However, 96% of them are intercepted by the Defense Forces.