Putin leans toward escalating Ukraine war, Reuters sources say
Russian President Vladimir Putin is signaling a preference for escalating the war in Ukraine rather than seeking peace, three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters.
Recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and ports have reinforced Putin's determination to push forward. Anonymous sources indicate a high probability of intensified conflict in the coming months.
Strategic focus on Donbas
Moscow remains intent on capturing the remainder of the Donbas region. The area serves as both a strategic military objective and a primary sticking point in US-mediated negotiations. Ukrainian intelligence reports suggest the Kremlin is laying the ground for new operations, including potential threats to broader European security.
However, a major military expansion would require mandatory mobilization. Putin has so far hesitated to announce a full draft due to domestic political risks.
Escalation risks and NATO testing
Russian military commentators continue to discuss scenarios involving direct strikes on European targets. Experts warn that isolated provocations—such as drone incursions into neighboring airspace—are designed to test NATO's collective defence boundaries.
According to former Russian Defence Ministry official Andrei Ilnitsky, writing in Kommersant, any escalation could begin with targeting 30 major Ukrainian industrial facilities. Subsequent phases could involve strikes on NATO facilities in Romania, the Baltic states, and European drone production hubs.
The conflict has exacted a devastating human toll. Recent estimates from the Center for Strategic and International Studies indicate approximately two million soldiers have been killed, wounded, or gone missing since the invasion began, including 1.4 million Russian troops.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
