Putin believes Donetsk will fall this year, but there's a problem: at the current pace of Russian military advances in the region, he would have to wait until 2032 to completely conquer the oblast. This discrepancy between the Russian president's expectations and the reality on the ground was highlighted as a significant issue in the negotiations.
The question gained new importance during a meeting between Putin and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, held on Saturday in Moscow. The American representatives met with the Russian president to discuss possible terms of a ceasefire agreement.
The article does not provide additional details about what was specifically discussed at the meeting or about each party's positions regarding the conquest of Donetsk.
