Putin believes Russian forces could break through Ukraine’s defenses by the end of the year – Bloomberg

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that his forces will be able to break through Ukraine’s defenses by the end of the year and gain full control over four regions.

Bloomberg reports, citing a person “familiar with the Russian president’s thinking.”

According to the report, Russia is prepared for a prolonged war if needed to achieve its objectives.

Two individuals close to the Kremlin noted that Putin is optimistic about the impact of future U.S. sanctions, believing they won’t significantly alter Russia’s strategy. This has caused concern among European leaders, who fear that Putin is unlikely to offer substantial concessions during his scheduled phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, and that Trump “might try to push through a peace deal regardless.”

As a result, European leaders are trying to prevent Trump from rushing into an agreement.

According to Bloomberg, during a phone call with Trump on Friday, European officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tried to signal to Trump that Putin is manipulating him, and warned the U.S. leader that he risks appearing weak if he settles for a bad deal on Ukraine.

The article notes that Zelensky appeared dejected and exhausted during the conversation. He had reportedly expected Trump to impose new sanctions on the Kremlin after Putin refused to observe the ceasefire that was supposed to start last Monday — but that did not happen.

However, the sanctions issue remains on the table.

“U.S. officials have privately signaled to their European counterparts that Trump is considering advancing a sanctions bill drafted by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham if Russia refuses to budge. And he may tell Putin that he can’t stop it,” European officials told Bloomberg.