Russia sets new deadline for Donetsk occupation; ISW counts 15 missed targets

Ukraine's Deputy Presidential Office Head Pavlo Palisa says Russia has set a new deadline to fully occupy the Donetsk region by the end of 2026, with Russian military requesting a postponement to March 31, 2027. Palisa stated the details of enemy plans were discussed with US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner during their Kyiv visit, covering air attacks and jet drones. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports Putin has set at least 15 such deadlines since February 2022, none of which were met. ISW estimates at current advance rates, Russia would need until October 2, 2032 to capture the remaining 19 percent of the Donetsk region. Radio Liberty notes Russian advance rates have sharply declined since early 2026, with losses of 290 casualties per square kilometer—3.5 times higher than in 2025.