Putin aims to capture Donbas by end of 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly intends to capture the entire Donbas region by the end of 2026, according to a Kremlin-adjacent source cited by Reuters. The source stated Putin believes this goal is achievable based on information from his commanders. The comments were made before Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow on September 5 for talks with Putin lasting over three hours. Western military analysts consider the Donbas objective unlikely given Moscow's slow progress, and Reuters reports no signs of a breakthrough from the meeting. Following the talks, Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov said the US presented ideas for ending the war and that Trump's envoys promised to relay Putin's assessments to Ukraine. Axios reported the sides discussed next steps, with public announcements expected in coming weeks.