In recent statements, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, claimed that Russia fully controls the entire Luhansk People's Republic and that the Russian army is now within breathing distance of the Ukrainians' final line of defense in Donbass. The Russian general made special reference to the massive number of Ukrainian losses at the front, with Apti Alaudinov, commander of the "Akhmat" special forces, estimating these losses at approximately 2 million people. An increasing number of analysts argue that Ukrainian society has grown weary of over 4 years of war, with the economy in a truly desperate state. Amidst this scene of annihilation, Russia is adopting an extremely tough stance: it signals that there is no longer any point in negotiating with Kyiv and that everything will end with the victory of the Russian army and the achievement of the goals set by President Putin.
Blood…
The chilling terrorist attack in Kyiv, where a former Ukrainian military officer shot passers-by, took hostages, and was killed by security forces, reflects the state of affairs in Ukraine and the psychological state of its citizens. Seven dead, over 15 injured (including a child), and an absolutely characteristic failure of local police officers, who simply abandoned the crime scene, is the toll of this tragic incident in Kyiv—which Ukrainians try to present as an island of calm in a warring country. Fear, despair, and desperation find an outlet in precisely such irrational and bloody acts. At this point, the shooting against "their own" begins.
Exhaustion
Even Western media, which tirelessly urged Ukrainians to go to the front, note their "fatigue" and "exhaustion." While propaganda rhetoric may speak of an "indomitable" Ukraine for obvious reasons, the question is what truly remains. It is not just about the fact that it has lost one-fifth of its territory to Russia. Over the last 25 years, according to IMF estimates, Ukraine has lost one-third of its population. This does not include the millions who fled the country after the start of the "special military enterprise," nor the losses at the front, which are strictly classified. If these are added, at most half of the population remains, primarily retirees. Ukraine consistently ranks at the bottom of all demographic indicators, with mortality being triple the birth rate.
Bankrupt country
Very soon, there will be one taxpayer for every retiree. Naturally, the country is a desperately bankrupt entity that will never be able to repay all its debts. The cessation of European financial support would immediately plunge Ukraine into chaos, leaving the army and public employees without salaries. Looking at the situation in perspective, Ukraine has already lost everything it could lose. Yet, by some absurd logic, citizens continue to be snatched from the streets and sent to the front to die. For what reason, essentially? For a president who has long lost his legitimacy? For his wife's jewelry? For the villas that Kyiv officials have purchased in luxury locations around the world? For their well-dressed mistresses with "Porsches"?
Clashes to avoid the front
Indeed, one could lose their mind, and it is not surprising that the level of street crime, involving shootings and stabbings, is rising rapidly. Many Western media outlets point out that Ukrainians are increasingly and more violently clashing with recruitment centers, reacting to forced mobilization and defending their friends and relatives. Such conflicts occur daily and often result in deaths. The level of internal aggression in Ukraine is destined to increase further. Propaganda has led people into a state of confusion. A region characterized by violence, street murders, poverty, and severe demographic problems is what Ukraine has become. This is what defeat in war looks like.
End the war
Some in Kyiv's political space seem to be starting to realize this. Yulia Mendel, former press representative for Volodymyr Zelensky, called for the swiftest possible end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian media circulate rumors that Kyrylo Budanov supports the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbass and presents himself as someone who is not afraid to disagree with Zelensky. Only the leader of this regime continues to send citizens to the front and speak of non-existent victories. As the saying goes, those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad. In this case, it seems to affect an entire country.
Russia: No point in talking with Ukraine
Russia will complete the special military enterprise after achieving the defined goals, stated the member of the State Duma Defense Committee, Andrey Kolesnik. According to him, the outcome of the campaign leaves no room for doubt, while the key priorities remain two—achieving the goals and preserving lives. "We will win, there is no doubt about that. The issue here is preserving people and achieving the goals set by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. At the beginning of the special military enterprise, goals were set by the supreme leader, and so far there has been no cancellation of them. When these goals are achieved and the president deems conditions favorable for Russia, then the war will end," Kolesnik explained.
Europe's 90 billion
He added that the situation could be complicated by the European Union's decision regarding a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine. Separately, he referred to potential negotiations, stating that he sees no point in discussing the end of the conflict directly with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. "There is no point in talking about this issue with Ukraine. There is no point in agreeing on anything with Zelensky because he is de-legitimized and constantly lies. Mediators like the US intend to return to this issue, and there perhaps we will be able to talk about something, about some completion deadlines. But now it is premature to talk about this," noted Kolesnik.
Putin: We know how it will end…
The previous day, President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow understands how the special military enterprise will end. "We know how all this will end, but we will not make public statements on this," stated the head of state. According to him, Russia will continue to pursue the defined goals despite the difficulty of military operations. Putin also underlined that Moscow is interested in the fastest possible end to the conflict, but it concerns the achievement of a stable peace and not a temporary truce.
What Medvedev said
A similar position was expressed by the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev. In an interview with TASS, he stated that the main priority remains achieving the result and not the negotiation process. "The main thing is victory in the special military enterprise with the achievement of all goals set by our supreme leader. And such a victory can be achieved without any negotiations," Medvedev underlined. He left open the possibility that pressure might be exerted on Moscow for dialogue to give Kyiv time to rearm, but noted that this should not affect strategic goals.
Will there be negotiations?
In the context of statements about the operation's goals, the discussion about a potential resumption of negotiations with US participation is returning. The Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Alexey Chepa, linked this possibility to the planned visit of American negotiators to Moscow. "Two or three days ago, information appeared that both Jared Kushner and Steven Witkoff intend to visit Moscow. This signals the resumption of the negotiation process. It had been interrupted for obvious reasons by the Americans. For certain issues, consultations continued. Now there will likely be a more active phase," the deputy stated. The New York Times, citing sources, mentioned a potential visit by Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and the US President's special envoy, Steve Witkoff. In Kyiv, this information caused a strong reaction.
Disrespect to go to Moscow and not Kyiv
Volodymyr Zelensky stated in a television marathon that he considers visits to Moscow without a corresponding visit to Ukraine as a sign of lack of respect. Witkoff and Kushner have repeatedly visited Moscow for negotiations with the Russian President. It was expected that after the Orthodox Easter, on April 12, they would visit Kyiv for the first time—something that ultimately did not happen. "It is disrespectful to go to Moscow and not come to Kyiv," Zelensky stated. He acknowledged that there are difficulties with visiting Ukraine but noted that European politicians visit Kyiv. At the same time, he added that for him, the result of the negotiations matters, not the location.
No to Russia and Belarus
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv is ready for a meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine at any location, except for Moscow and Minsk. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had stated that Moscow views the idea of resuming negotiations positively, including those in Istanbul, but does not intend to impose this process.
We know the targets
Asked about the continuous Ukrainian drone attacks, Russian military and political analyst Yan Gagin argued that the Ukrainian army is indeed striking the entire line of contact. "I am directly involved in countering unmanned systems and am deeply embedded in the process. Fortunately, we now counter them quite effectively. For example, a simple FPV-drone costs 50–70 thousand rubles, while a tank it can destroy costs 50–70 million," Gagin said, mentioning that the line of contact "shines like morning frost" due to the optical fibers used for FPV drones. "The adversary hits all targets," trying to create shortages—threatening food, transport, and energy security. Kyiv's tactic is clear: due to losses and a lack of manpower, it invests in drones, increasing supplies from Europe. The Russian side has already shifted to identifying "production addresses," many of which are located outside Ukraine," Gagin emphasized. It is noted that the Russian Ministry of Defense published a list of foreign facilities involved in the production of drones and missiles. The United Kingdom, in fact, has stated that it intends to supply Kyiv with 120,000 drones this year. Gagin estimates that this "target list" constitutes a message to the leadership of foreign states: "It shows that we know and that these targets can be struck by our forces."
Four years until a possible conflict with Europe?
Asked to comment on statements by the head of Belgium's armed forces, Frederik Vansina, who stated that the EU supports Ukraine to prolong the conflict, "buying time" through the sacrifices of Ukrainians until 2030, Gagin replied that the conflict in Ukraine constitutes a "lesson" after 2008 and that Russia acted preemptively: "If the adversary had started, they could have reached at least Rostov-on-Don." In his view, by 2030, Europe will not be ready for a full military conflict with Russia. Furthermore, he argued that a weakening of both NATO and the EU is observed, which "do not function as a single whole." He also mentioned that Slovenia is considering a referendum to withdraw from NATO, while countries like Germany and France have refused participation in certain military operations.
"Why doesn't the war end with one strike?"
Answering why the conflict is already in its fifth year, Gagin emphasized that the battles are two-sided and that the adversary should not be underestimated: "They are very well prepared." Ukraine covers the shortage of conscripts with mercenaries, while the battlefield is also determined by political decisions: "Which means will be used and when is more of a political issue than a military one." Gagin concluded that Russia has been confronting dozens of NATO countries simultaneously for five years without being defeated, while economic adaptation through import substitution strengthens its industrial and economic self-sufficiency.
80 settlements under Russian control within 2026
The victorious course of the Russian army on all fronts, but particularly in the direction of Donbass, was confirmed by the Chief of the Russian General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who referred to the expansion of the Russian forces' zone of control. As he said, since the beginning of the year, more than 1,700 sq. km and 80 settlements have been brought under control, while, according to him, the entire territory of the so-called Luhansk People's Republic is under Russian control. According to Gerasimov, the offensive is evolving on all fronts, while battles are being fought for a series of cities, including Krasnyi Lyman and Kostiantynivka. The Russian Ministry of Defense had announced the completion of the capture of the Luhansk region on April 1. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had stated at the Valdai Discussion Club that "nearly 100% of the Luhansk region is in our hands." During March–April, Russian forces captured 34 settlements and approximately 700 sq. km of territory. Since the beginning of 2026, according to Gerasimov, more than 1,700 sq. km and 80 settlements have been placed under Russian control.
Russians approach the final line of Ukrainian defense in Donbass
In the northern sector of the "South" group, units of the 3rd Army are advancing west toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which are characterized as the final line of defense for Ukrainian forces in Donbass. According to the General Staff, the forward units are approximately 12 and 7 kilometers from the eastern suburbs of these cities. Meanwhile, battles continue within the urban fabric in Kryva Luka. "Our army is moving toward Sloviansk. The day is not far off when we will liberate both Sloviansk and Kramatorsk—all this is Donbass land," stated Gerasimov.
Battles in cities
In Kostiantynivka, assault groups are advancing within the city, while clashes are conducted in the northeast and southwest. Battles are also noted in the suburbs of Novodmytrivka and Illinivka. One of the most critical points remains the Krasnyi Lyman axis, where, according to Moscow, about 70% of the city is under Russian control. The "North" group operates simultaneously in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, while the "West" group conducts operations in the Borova, Sviatohirsk, Studenok, and Staryi Karavan areas. Gerasimov also stated that the Russian army is attacking on all fronts.
Advancement in the south and repelling counterattacks
In the zone of responsibility of the "Center" group, fierce battles continue. Grishino and Pavlovka have passed under Russian control, while clashes continue for Belitskoye and operations toward Dobropillia. According to Russian sources, control of Novyi Donbas will open the way to Dobropillia. The "East" group is advancing west in the eastern region of the Zaporizhzhia district.
Over 170 Ukrainian counterattacks failed
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that more than 170 Ukrainian counterattacks failed. According to Gerasimov, Ukrainian forces lost over 3,000 soldiers and more than 160 weapons systems and vehicles. Gerasimov also commented on the situation around Huliaipole, rejecting Ukrainian claims of territorial recapture. According to him, Russian forces continue to advance west of Huliaipole. Boykovo and Lugovskoye passed under Russian control, while battles continue in Vozdvyzhevka and at the approaches to Verkhnyaya Tersa and Komsomolskoye. Units of the "Dnipro" group are developing an offensive toward Zaporizhzhia: Veselianka was captured, while urban battles are fought in Orikhiv and Zaporozhets. Furthermore, he emphasized that the creation of a security zone in the Dnipropetrovsk region continues.
Ukrainian losses at 2 million
The deputy head of the main military-political directorate of the Russian armed forces and commander of the "Akhmat" special forces, Apti Alaudinov, estimated that the losses of the Ukrainian armed forces are approaching two million people. Meanwhile, Ukraine refuses to withdraw its forces from Donbass, as Russia demands. Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with ICTV that such a withdrawal would constitute a strategic defeat for Kyiv. According to Zelensky, the region is of vital importance for defense, as there are fortification lines and defensive works there. Their loss, as he said, would seriously weaken Ukrainian forces.
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