NATO: Russia Needs At Least Another Year To Reach Donetsk Border, Full Donbas Control Unrealistic

Russia would need at least another year of fighting in Ukraine to push its forces to the administrative borders of the Donetsk region at their current pace, and full control of Donbas by the end of 2026 is not considered realistic, according to The Moscow Times on December 3. 

A senior NATO official told journalists ahead of a meeting of allied foreign ministers in Brussels that “capturing the rest of Donetsk region is not a real possibility for the Russians for at least another year or two.”

The assessment cited data from the battle for Pokrovsk, where Russian troops are reported to have controlled about 95% of the city after advancing an average of 120 meters per day since late July.

NATO estimates that Russia is losing around 1,100 soldiers, killed and wounded, daily and that total Russian casualties are approaching 1.15 million, but judges that Moscow can sustain the war at roughly its current tempo until at least 2027 despite mounting financial strain. 

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Russia Sends 170,000 Troops—More Than Most European Armies—to Capture One Ukrainian City

Nov 07, 2025 10:48

A Russian official earlier told NBC News that “the territory of the Donbas,” limits on Ukraine’s armed forces and Western recognition of Russia’s territorial claims are non-negotiable pillars for the Kremlin, underscoring that full control over Donbas remains a central war aim rather than a subject for compromise. 

Earlier, it was reported that NATO diplomats warned that Vladimir Putin shows no sign of playing a constructive role in Ukraine peace talks and indicated that, if diplomacy stalls, allies are ready to pursue a “Plan B” centered on more weapons, economic support for Ukraine, and tougher sanctions on Russia.

Truth is Under Attack

Help our reporters investigate lies, verify facts, and deliver truth from Ukraine’s frontlines.

DEFEND THE TRUTH