"Ritorički pristup": u ISW-u raspravljaju o "pobjedničkim" Putinovim izjavama

In late December 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin made public statements about the military progress of Russian forces on several fronts in Ukraine. During an interview with propagandist Pavel Zaruvin, published on the Kremlin’s website, Putin outlined the proximity of Russian troops to key Ukrainian cities. He noted that Russian forces were approximately 10.5 kilometers away from Sumy, a city in northern Ukraine, and between 2.5 to 5 kilometers from Kupiansk, which had been previously liberated by Ukrainian forces but was under renewed attack by Russian forces in autumn 2025.

Putin emphasized that the objective of Russian operations in the Sumy and Vovchansk directions was to create a “security zone” along Russia's borders, a goal set after the alleged incursion of Ukrainian forces into the Kursk region and attacks on Russia’s border areas. Despite this, he claimed there were no political plans regarding these cities or regions, stating that decisions would be based on proposals from the Ministry of Defense and General Staff. He also mentioned that Russian forces were advancing actively and decisively on these fronts.

Regarding Kupiansk, Putin highlighted its significance as a location where representatives of the Kyiv regime often held photo sessions against the backdrop of a monument. He stated that Russian forces were within 2.5 to 4–5 kilometers of the western edge of the city, noting that the enemy had launched several counterattacks without success. This statement came just days after reports indicated that Ukrainian forces had successfully conducted a counterattack near Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast and encircled a Russian group in the city. Following this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Kupiansk direction and recorded a video near the partially destroyed monument in the city.

Putin also mentioned other locations such as Cheremoshnyy Lyman and Sloviansk, stating that Russian forces were approximately 8–9 kilometers away from Cheremoshnyy Lyman and 4 kilometers from Sloviansk. However, he did not mention the failure of Russian forces to reach the borders of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts over four years of full-scale war.

The internal dynamics within the Russian military and security apparatus have become increasingly complex. According to reports from European intelligence sources cited by UNIAN, the deaths of high-ranking Russian generals have intensified tensions between the Russian army and the Federal Security Service (FSB). These conflicts reflect deeper rivalries within the system, where the FSB traditionally holds a more privileged position compared to the armed forces. The FSB has been reluctant to provide physical protection for Russian generals, despite their vulnerability to attacks from drones, missiles, car bombings, plane crashes, and combat actions on the front lines.

This situation has raised concerns among analysts who note that the loss of prominent Russian generals could further impact the morale of the Russian army, already weakened by ongoing warfare. Opposition politician Maxim Katz pointed out that the war has elevated the importance of the army on the battlefield, yet the political structure in Moscow continues to view generals as potential threats. As a result, the Kremlin finds itself in a paradoxical position: needing experienced commanders to continue the war while the dominant FSB does not wish to take responsibility for their safety.

Additionally, there have been reports of sabotage operations within Russia, including an operation in winter that targeted six Gazprom gas distribution stations near Moscow, causing losses exceeding $6 million. Such incidents highlight the complexity and danger faced by both military personnel and intelligence operatives operating within Russia.

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have criticized Putin's recent claims of military victories as rhetorical tactics aimed at influencing Western perceptions and pressuring Ukraine to concede to Russian demands. They argue that despite these assertions, Russia's ability to achieve its military objectives remains questionable, especially given the continued decline in its combat effectiveness in 2026. While acknowledging the impact of Ukraine's long-range strike campaign on Russia, Putin attempted to downplay economic and social challenges facing the country, suggesting a nuanced awareness of these issues without directly addressing them.

As the conflict continues, the interplay between military operations, internal politics, and external pressures will likely shape future developments. The situation underscores the multifaceted nature of the ongoing war, involving not only direct combat but also intricate power struggles within Russia's leadership and the broader geopolitical landscape.