Zelenskyy Says Putin Has Missed 15 Deadlines to Seize Donetsk Region

Statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

According to Главком: In his evening video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has announced 15 separate deadlines for capturing the Donetsk region. Zelenskyy listed these dates in detail, emphasizing that Russia keeps postponing its own timelines while Ukraine has repeatedly proposed paths to end the conflict-offers that Moscow has consistently rejected.

Deadlines for Capturing Donetsk

• 2022:
  • by March 31
  • by May 9
  • by June 1
  • by September 15
  • by December 31
• 2023:
  • by March 1
  • by December 31
• 2024:
  • two deadlines (specific dates not given)
• 2025:
  • by September 1
  • by December 1
  • by December 25
• 2026:
  • by March 31
  • by September 1
  • by December 31

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has made multiple peace proposals to Russia, all of which were turned down.

“This delusion of theirs has happened 15 times already-as if they would fully capture Donbas,” the Ukrainian president stressed.

He also highlighted the deteriorating situation inside Russia, saying:

“If Putin wants to sacrifice another million of his soldiers just to keep battering against this wall, then the million Russians who haven’t yet been drafted and are arguing in gas lines should think about what awaits them.”

Additionally, Zelenskyy pointed out that while Putin may “keep telling people on TV that he supposedly has everything under control,” ordinary Russians see the reality for themselves. “Gasoline supposedly exists, and Russian ministers are supposedly competent enough,” he said, but noted that “Russians standing in fuel lines across various regions truly see that their ‘three-day war’ is now in its fifth year-to the point that even an oil state, a ‘gas station’ as Russia was called, now faces gasoline shortages.”

These facts demonstrate that the Russian side has not only failed to meet its own promises but also continues to wage war despite mounting domestic difficulties.

This situation underscores a deep disconnect between the statements of Russia’s leadership and the reality on the ground. The continuation of the war, despite numerous missed capture deadlines, points to a lack of a coherent strategic plan from Russia-a failure that could lead to further internal problems. Meanwhile, Ukraine remains open to diplomatic negotiations, even as Moscow refuses, signaling a willingness to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the future.

As the conflict drags on, it becomes increasingly clear that Putin's delays are part of a strategy rather than a genuine intent to negotiate peace. The repeated failure to meet his own deadlines not only highlights Russia's struggles but also raises questions about the Kremlin's long-term objectives in the region.