Putin Wants to Announce Victory on May 9, CNN

Russia has revised its military strategy towards Ukraine and is now focused on the Donbas region. This was reported to CNN by American and European officials familiar with intelligence data.

According to sources from the television network, it is crucial for the Kremlin to establish control over Donbas and other eastern parts of Ukraine before May 9, as Victory Day holds significant symbolic importance, and "Putin wants to celebrate something in his war on that day."

“Putin will hold a parade on May 9, regardless of the status of the war or peace negotiations,” stated a representative of a Defense Ministry from one of the EU member countries to CNN. He believes that the Russian president is preparing for a prolonged and drawn-out conflict, similar to what occurred during the Chechen wars.

CNN reports that Russian ground forces are struggling to maintain control over areas where fighting is taking place in the rest of Ukraine. According to the American media outlet, Russia has greater chances in the Donbas region.