Putin Upholds Victory Narrative as Ukraine Advances, ISW Says
Putin rejected Zelensky’s ceasefire offer at SPIEF and reiterated a protracted-war victory narrative, claiming battlefield progress that ISW says is inconsistent with visible gains. Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes and battlefield interdiction that hinder Russian logistics and naval assets, while Russian advances remain largely stagnant. Putin touted economic strength despite fuel shortages and rising debt, and repeatedly referenced the Alaska Summit to justify limited concessions. A localized ceasefire around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was brokered to permit repairs, and Ukraine continues to press operations in occupied areas. Overall, ISW assesses Putin’s battlefield claims as overstated and Ukraine as gaining the initiative in several sectors.
