Putin’s Ukraine Strategy: Echoes of Stalin’s Tactics?

‍ ‌ Updated June ⁣08, 2025
⁣ ⁢

As the war in Ukraine continues, parallels are being drawn between Vladimir Putin and Josef Stalin, particularly regarding their leadership styles‌ and territorial‌ ambitions. Some observers suggest Putin, like stalin, prioritizes strong​ leadership and national unity, perhaps minimizing the human cost of achieving⁢ his goals.

Putin’s focus remains on securing Russian control⁢ over the four Ukrainian ⁣oblasts annexed in 2022: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Analysts suggest that failing to achieve this‍ minimal goal could raise uncomfortable questions for⁢ the ‌Russian leader, potentially leading to internal instability.

Mark Kelton,a founding partner in the Five Eyes Group,suggests that any future negotiations with Moscow ⁢regarding Ukraine‍ will likely involve delaying tactics​ and disputes over minor issues to gain concessions on matters of⁣ greater importance to Russia. ​He also cautions that any promises made by Putin regarding ⁤the conduct of his rule over captured territories​ should ​be viewed skeptically.

Appeals to humanity are unlikely ⁣to sway Putin, according to​ observers.⁤ Stronger sanctions and increased military aid to Ukraine may be necessary to force him to⁤ the negotiating table before he achieves his territorial objectives.

What’s next

The conflict appears ⁣to be entering ⁣a crucial ⁢phase, with Russia making incremental gains. The coming weeks ⁤will likely determine whether Putin can consolidate his control over the‌ annexed ​regions or be compelled⁣ to seek a negotiated settlement.