“It is impossible without enormous losses”: an expert explained why Russians cannot take Donbas by force

war

Military expert Oleg Starikov explained what Vladimir Putin is counting on by demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas.

He spoke about this on his channel.
“Dmitry Peskov, the mouthpiece of the Kremlin—what did he say? That they are giving two months: withdraw your troops. This is already the political component. The military component cannot be resolved by military means. Occupying the territories of the Donetsk region and a certain percentage of the Luhansk region by military means is currently problematic, and I would even say impossible without enormous losses,” claims Oleg Starikov.

According to the expert, the Kremlin initially relied on a military component, but by 2026 the nature of combat operations has completely changed: it is impossible to pass kill zones without heavy medical and irreversible losses or “meat assaults.” Nevertheless, he emphasizes, such a high cost does not mean that Russians will not try to seize Donbas by force—preparations for a spring–summer campaign are underway.

“What does Russia need? It has declared political goals—these are the administrative borders—and has enshrined them in the Constitution. If this is not achieved, the people will ask questions. Grandmothers sitting on benches in Kostroma and Bryansk will ask: ‘Why did we fight? Why did we suffer so many losses?’ This is the political component,” explains Oleg Starikov.


Latest news:

Let's remember Politeka wrote, Expert Explains Why Europe Is Providing Ukraine with War Aid: “It’s the Greatest Shield”

Politeka also informed, He became one of the brightest figures in Polish politics: Sławomir Majman talks about the new president of Poland

In addition, Politeka informed, Expert Explains Whether the West Can Destroy Russia’s Shadow Fleet


“No changes are expected until December”: Expert explains why the talks ended with nothing

“This is the 12th round, somewhere in the final minute”: Expert explains what stage of the war we are at

China’s plan: Expert explains why ending the Russia-Ukraine war is not in Xi Jinping’s interests

“This Means Triple Losses”: Expert Speaks About Another Strike on Moscow Oil Refinery

“It's Going Around in Circles”: Expert Assesses Whether the US Can Bribe Putin Into Ending the War

“Poland is in the same boat with us”: expert explains why Poles have really started to fear war

“Some Solutions Are Needed to Help People Survive” — Expert on an Interim Stage in Ending the War

“The US is not dependent on Russian diesel at all”: expert explains why Trump criticizes Ukraine’s strikes

How HUMS Is Changing the Operation of Mi-8/17 Helicopters: MC AVIA-GRADE’s Experience Integrating Modern Systems into Soviet-Era Helicopters

“For Trump, this would be a diplomatic victory”: Expert assesses whether the US can get Putin to agree to an energy ceasefire

“Our Path Is Through Security”: Expert Explains How Ukraine Will Join the EU and NATO

“The So-Called Root Causes Cannot Be Eliminated Without Confrontation with NATO”: Expert Warns of Risks of Russian Aggression

“Trump has taken a position symmetrical to Putin’s”: expert says peace must come before meetings

Operation “M&M’s” Returns: Expert Explains the Goal of Blocking Russian Airports

Russian delegation at G20: Expert assesses whether negotiations will resume after meeting with Bessent

Putin realized that he has less time than he expected, expert says amid sharp escalation of the war

“Russia’s window of opportunity will not remain open”: Expert assesses the threat posed by jet-powered Shaheds

“Russia will strike Ukraine’s strategic rear”: Expert warns of threats to Europe

The War Could Freeze Even Without an Agreement, Expert Says on CIA Director’s Proposal

Show more