Former U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine, Kitt Kellogg, expressed the opinion that Vladimir Putin could end the war in Ukraine by simply declaring victory and withdrawing. According to him, Russia lacks the capability to capture the entire Ukraine, as it has failed to take control of major cities like Kharkiv and Kyiv.
Why Putin Cannot Capture Ukraine
Kellogg noted that Russia's attempts to seize key Ukrainian cities have been unsuccessful. This, in his view, indicates that Putin does not possess the necessary military capabilities to continue the war. He emphasized that Russian strikes on populated areas do not lead to strategic successes.
Internal Problems in Russia
The former representative also suggested that if Putin were to end the war, he would face serious problems within the country. Specifically, he might encounter public discontent, which is already suffering from the consequences of the war. Kellogg believes this could be a reason why Putin is hesitant to announce the end of the conflict.
Current Situation on the Front
At present, Ukraine continues to strike deep into Russian territory, creating additional challenges for Russia. Kellogg believes that these actions by the Ukrainian military are crucial for changing the balance of power in the region.