Russia changes strategy in Donetsk: Moscow advances by targeting territory

With Trump’s imminent arrival and significant losses, Putin changes approach in war against Ukraine, focusing on large territories rather than individual cities

In the context of the more than 1,000-day war in Ukraine, Russia has changed its strategy on the ground, especially in the Donetsk region. At a press conference on December 19, President Vladimir Putin anticipated Moscow’s new approach. “We are advancing every day, conquering square kilometers,” the Russian leader said, emphasizing a willingness to proceed with more flexible tactics and less focus on individual targets.

This shift was analyzed by the Institute for the Study of War (Isw), a U.S. think tank that monitors the dynamics of the conflict on a daily basis. According to the Isw, the strategy now focuses on the acquisition of widespread territory rather than the capture of specific cities or strongholds, as evidenced by the scaling back of the offensive toward Pokrovsk, an important logistical hub.

The Russian advance and changes in the field

Moscow’s goal of capturing Pokrovsk, a key city controlling supply lines, now seems less of a priority. Capturing the city would have provided access to further offensives to the west, but Russian troops appear to have changed their approach. According to Isw, some units have reduced activities northeast of Pokrovsk, suggesting that Russia is now targeting the border area between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblast.

Losses suffered by Russian troops in recent weeks would also have influenced the change of course. In operations around Pokrovsk through mid-December, Russia lost about 3,000 troops, and the use of civilian assets to move troops highlights a logistical crisis that could limit offensive capabilities in the short term.

Negotiating goals and the role of Donald Trump

The new strategy may be dictated by a desire to gain territorial advantages to be used in potential future negotiations, especially in view of Donald Trump’s imminent arrival in the White House. Won territories, rather than individual cities, may represent a card to play at the negotiating table.

According to Isw, there is also recognition in the Kremlin that advancing without specific targets requires less effort than the complex operations of sieging and conquering well-defended strongholds, such as Pokrovsk, manned by Ukrainian forces. This tactic aims to conserve resources and reduce casualties while ensuring steady progress on the ground.

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