Putin is counting on two scenarios for victory over Ukraine: strikes on energy sector and pressure on Europe, – WSJ
Weakening Ukraine through attacks on its energy infrastructure and eroding European support for Kyiv. This is precisely what the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is banking on following the failure of his previous attempts to secure victory in the war.
According to Censor.NET, this is reported by The Wall Street Journal.
It is noted that Putin had previously counted on four paths to victory over Ukraine. However, two of them failed to yield the expected result.
In particular, Russia failed to bring about the collapse of the Ukrainian army. Nor did its strategy of relying on pressure from US President Donald Trump work; Moscow had calculated that this would force Kyiv to agree to territorial concessions.
Strikes on the energy sector and undermining European support
The Kremlin is now focusing on two other strategies.
The first is to intensify attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Russia is attempting to disable electricity, heating and water supply systems, as well as to damage the Ukrainian economy in the run-up to winter.
The second scenario envisages a weakening of European support for Ukraine. Moscow is counting on economic difficulties, a rising cost of living and the growing popularity of political forces opposed to aid for Kyiv to deepen divisions among European countries.
At the same time, as the publication notes, European governments are still supporting Ukraine for the time being. However, the Kremlin may be hoping for a change in the political situation in certain European countries, particularly due to the rise of populist parties that oppose military and financial aid to Kyiv.
Russia’s economic problems may force Putin to rethink his strategy
The WSJ also draws attention to the difficulties facing the Russian economy. The budget deficit and significant expenditure on the war are putting additional pressure on the Kremlin.
According to analysts’ estimates, in the spring of 2027, Putin will likely have to reassess his strategy. However, this will not necessarily mean that Moscow will abandon its objectives regarding Ukraine.
