Analysts at the Main Intelligence Directorate believe there are no signs on the battlefield indicating Russia is ready to agree to a ceasefire and begin negotiations. Russia’s plan is that there will be no agreements and no signing of a peace deal by the end of the year, Vadym Skibitskyy, deputy head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, told RBC-Ukraine in an interview.
The Kremlin wants to achieve its stated objectives, including completing the occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
“Their General Staff’s plans are to finish capturing Donetsk Region by the end of this year,” Vadym Skibitskyy said.
Winter strikes, according to intelligence, will focus on the same targets as before: the defense industry, the energy sector, logistics, gas stations, and military facilities.
“In winter, our most vulnerable point is electricity and heating, so they could also come under attack. For example, not long ago the Russians developed a drone designed to hit power poles—power transmission lines. Its wings contain an explosive element capable of cutting through metal,” he said.
The enemy’s targets could also include water supply, gas extraction, and gas transmission infrastructure in Kharkiv and Poltava regions.