Russia wants to achieve success in the Donetsk region, but no progress is visible. They are now attacking Ukraine's power system. This is their new tactic.
Gert Kaju says that Russia wants to break Ukraine's resistance. They hope that Ukraine will not withstand the winter without electricity. Ukraine is strong diplomatically because they have held out.
Dmitro Zhmailo says that the beginning of the year was difficult. Now the situation is better because Russia's war plans did not succeed. However, Russia is trying to achieve success in other ways.
After Trump and Putin did not meet, Russia began nuclear exercises. Gert Kaju believes that this shows Russia's true goals. Peace talks are important to them, but they do not really want peace.
Rainer Saks says that Russia played diplomatically. They were afraid that Ukraine would receive US weapons. However, Trump imposed new sanctions on Russia. This was unexpected for Russia.
The sanctions affect Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil. Trump showed that he can make decisions. The sanctions will have an impact in the long term.
Saks believes that Russia is already short of money. If Ukraine also attacks Russian oil refineries, the situation in Russia could worsen. This could end badly for Russia.