Russia dismissed suggestions on Monday that Ukraine could achieve victory in the nearly four-year war, labeling such beliefs as profoundly misguided, even as its military announced the seizure of three additional villages along the extensive frontline.
The Kremlin is leveraging its superior manpower and equipment to maintain pressure, though advances remain gradual and come at a significant human and material cost.
With both Russian and Ukrainian forces deeply dug in across the battle lines—marking almost four years since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022—the conflict shows no signs of abating. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed reporters during a briefing call, criticizing European leaders for their stance.
“The Europeans believe that Ukraine can win the war and secure its interests through military means,” Peskov stated. “This is the deepest delusion indulged in by the Kyiv regime. The situation on the front indicates the opposite.”
In a separate update, the Russian Defence Ministry confirmed on Monday that its troops had taken control of the villages of Slodkie and Nove in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, as well as Gnativka in the Donetsk region. These captures highlight Moscow’s ongoing push in key areas of eastern and southern Ukraine.
Peskov reiterated that the war would conclude only “when Russia achieves the objectives it set at the beginning.” Russia has consistently framed its military operation as necessary to protect Russian-speaking populations in eastern Ukraine, halt NATO’s eastward expansion, and dismantle what it calls a “neo-Nazi” influence in Kyiv’s government—claims that Ukraine and its Western allies have vehemently denied as pretext for aggression.
From the perspective of Kyiv and its international partners, the invasion represents an unprovoked imperial land grab, escalating into Europe’s most devastating ground war since World War II. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides, displaced millions, and strained global economies through disrupted energy and food supplies.
Diplomatic efforts, including those led by US President Donald Trump to broker a peace agreement, have reached an impasse. Moscow has rebuffed proposals for a ceasefire unless accompanied by the withdrawal of its core demands. Russian officials insist on negotiations only if Ukraine fully evacuates the eastern Donbas region—comprising Donetsk and Luhansk—and abandons all aspirations for Western military aid, including NATO membership.
Ukrainian leaders have rejected these conditions outright, arguing they amount to outright surrender and would leave the country vulnerable to future incursions. Peskov emphasized that Russia currently holds the battlefield initiative and has no intention of halting its operations.
As the war grinds on, international observers note the entrenched positions and high casualties underscore the challenges of a swift resolution, with both sides preparing for prolonged fighting amid shifting global dynamics.
