Ukraine cannot win war, Russia declared on Monday, November 10, as its military announced the capture of three more villages along the eastern and southern front lines. The Kremlin described it as “delusional” for anyone to believe that Kyiv could achieve victory, saying battlefield realities clearly favor Moscow’s position.
Nearly four years since the full-scale invasion began, Russia continues to push forward using its advantage in manpower and heavy weaponry. Despite the slow pace, Moscow insists its strategy is working.
Russian Forces Capture Villages in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk
Russia’s defense ministry reported that its forces had captured the villages of Slodkie and Nove in the Zaporizhzhia region, along with Gnativka in Donetsk. These territorial gains, though limited, add pressure on Ukrainian forces stretched thin across a vast front.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said European leaders were misleading themselves by assuming Ukraine could secure victory through foreign aid and Western weapons. He argued that every new development on the battlefield proves the opposite.
Moscow Says War Will End Only on Its Own Terms
According to Peskov, the war will only end when Russia achieves the goals it set out at the start of the invasion. Moscow claims it is acting to protect Russian speakers, prevent NATO’s expansion toward its borders, and remove what it calls “neo-Nazis” from power in Ukraine.
Kyiv and its allies have rejected these claims as false, calling the invasion a clear attempt by Russia to seize land and control Ukraine’s future. Western governments continue to describe it as an unprovoked act of aggression.
Ukraine and Allies Reject Russian Demands
Ukraine and its Western partners have called Russia’s conditions for peace unacceptable and equivalent to surrender. Moscow insists Ukraine must withdraw from the Donbas region and stop all cooperation with Western militaries before any ceasefire can be discussed.
Kyiv argues that agreeing to such terms would leave the country defenseless and open to further attacks. The ongoing conflict has already taken tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, making it Europe’s largest war since World War II.
Russia Holds the Initiative for Now
Peskov said Russia currently holds the initiative across the front and does not plan to halt operations. Analysts believe Moscow feels more confident as Ukraine faces delays in Western support and shortages of ammunition. Still, despite its latest claims of progress, Russia’s ability to achieve a decisive victory remains uncertain.
