Estonia sees no signs of Russia preparing for ceasefire
Illustrative photo: Estonia says there are no signs of Russia's preparations for a ceasefire (Getty Images)
Russia is showing no intention of stopping its attacks. Instead, it is intensifying shelling in an attempt to strengthen its positions in Ukraine ahead of possible negotiations, stated Lieutenant Colonel Matthias Puusepp, Commander of the Operations Section of the Estonian Defense Forces Division, ERR reports.
According to him, in the first week of the fourth year of the war, Russia has made no tactical progress in any sector. Open-source geolocation data indicates that Russian forces’ advance toward Pokrovsk has completely stopped, while Ukraine has managed to expand its defensive perimeter there through localized counterattacks.
Puusepp noted that Russian offensive activity has not decreased. Earlier this month, the number of daily attacks dropped to around 100, and in the past week, it has averaged 103 attacks per day.
He emphasized that there are no signs of Russia preparing for a potential ceasefire.
"There is speculation that Russia might increase shelling, particularly in the Kursk region, to gain a stronger position for negotiations. However, based on the available information, Russia does not have the balance of forces that would allow it to succeed in reclaiming the Kursk region quickly," Puusepp said.
According to him, Russia’s main objective remains Pokrovsk and its surroundings, where up to a third of all ground attacks are concentrated.
"However, Russian forces are showing less determination in their actions and are searching for weak spots in Ukraine’s defense in other sectors," he added.
Russia's position on the war with Ukraine
In January, Russian President Vladimir Putin invented a new excuse not to hold talks with Ukraine. He cited the existence of a ban on official Kyiv negotiating with Russia.
Today we wrote that Vladimir Putin and his top officials continue to reject the terms of negotiations proposed by the United States. The Russians will demand that Ukraine give up the territories it has not yet occupied.
