RUSSIA – Russian Defense Ministry on Monday announced that its forces had captured 3 new settlements in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions in the latest advance as the Russia-Ukraine war continues.

According to the ministry, units of the “East” military group advanced deeper into Ukrainian defensive lines, securing control over Sladkoe and Novoye in southern Ukraine.

It added that during operations to eliminate encircled Ukrainian forces near Krasnoarmeysk in Donetsk, troops from the 1435th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 2nd Army took control of Gnatovka.

Zelenskyy Claims Russia Isn’t Making Real Progress

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said that Russia isn’t making real progress in the battlefield, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in an “impasse” and trying to compensate for that by applying hybrid tactics, including energy, cyber, and political interference across Europe.

“Putin is in an impasse when it comes to real successes on the battlefield. The situation looks more like a stalemate for him,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram, stressing that Ukrainian forces continue to defend their land and sovereignty.

He said Russia’s repeated attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure aim to create “the illusion of progress” and to demonstrate to Russian society that Moscow still has a plan.

“All the energy attacks are dangerous – to demonstrate: ‘Look, I supposedly have a plan – there we pressure with weapons, and here we attack,’” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader accused Putin of attempting to radicalize Russian public opinion and destabilize European societies through cyber operations and electoral interference.

“He wants to find some operations he can present as successes – drones, an energy attack on us, or a cyberattack on Germany, the United Kingdom, France, or an attack on choice, political choice, during elections,” he said.

Zelenskyy described Russia’s actions as a “hybrid war in Europe,” emphasizing that Ukraine is paying “the highest price” as the war continues on its territory.

Russian Objectives to be Achieved for War to End

Russia wants to end the conflict in Ukraine as quickly as possible but it is important to achieve the initial objectives, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov said Russia remains open to a political and diplomatic settlement, describing this path as “preferable.”

However, he stressed that the conditions for peace depend on fulfilling the goals announced by Moscow at the beginning of what it calls its “special military operation” in February 2022. Russia had called for “demilitarization” and “denazification” of Ukraine.

Peskov claimed that negotiations have stalled “through no fault of Russia,” blaming European countries for encouraging Kyiv to believe in the possibility of a military victory.

He said Western nations are “egging on” Ukraine instead of promoting talks.

According to the spokesman, the situation on the front lines is “dynamic” and signals a continued decline in Ukraine’s battlefield position.

He added that the number of Ukrainians supporting peace “on Russia’s terms” is likely to grow over time, despite internal pressures within the country.

Peskov also praised Kazakhstan’s readiness to host and facilitate possible peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, emphasizing that Russia “highly values” Astana’s position.

He referred to Kazakhstan as a “special, privileged partner,” noting that preparations are being finalized for President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to Russia, which begins Tuesday.

He confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India is planned for the end of 2025, describing it as a “meaningful” trip expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation.