Russia Is Not Preparing for Peace: Experts Point to Kremlin’s Plans
July 2026 became the deadliest month for Ukraine’s civilian population since spring 2022. At least 437 civilians were killed and another 2,610 injured as a result of Russian attacks. Among those killed were 17 children, while 166 children were among the wounded, UATV English reports. Kremlin Has No Intention of Ending the War: Ukrainian Intelligence Reveals Russia’s Plans According to acting…
The month of July 2026 proved to be the most lethal for Ukraine's civilians since the spring of 2022. Russian attacks claimed the lives of at least 437 people and left 2,610 others injured, UATV English reported. Among the casualties were 17 children and 166 more suffered injuries. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the surge in civilian deaths should trigger concrete actions to alter Russia's calculations, intensify pressure on Moscow, and hold the aggressor accountable for its atrocities.
The Russian military appears determined to continue hostilities, as Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Moscow does not intend to reach a peace deal by the end of 2026. Deputy head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, Vadym Skibitskyi, revealed that Russian General Staff plans include capturing the Donetsk region by the end of the year.
Russian forces have primarily targeted defense industries, military facilities, energy, logistics, and gas infrastructure, including civilian facilities. In the coming months, Ukraine's gas transportation system and gas production facilities in Poltava and Kharkiv regions could face further threats. Russia is also struggling with a shortage of personnel, and the Kremlin has not yet decided on a forced mass mobilization.
Instead, it is using the threat of mobilization to coerce men into signing voluntary military contracts in exchange for hefty payments. Russian authorities have intensified the forced recruitment of men from vulnerable groups, reportedly detaining and coercing individuals into signing contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry.
This trend is particularly concerning in regions like Penza, Omsk, and Ulyanovsk. Russian President Vladimir Putin seems intent on prolonging the war and increasing Russian assault activity by amassing more ballistic missiles and deploying North Korean troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Russia is preparing another rapid mobilization campaign for autumn 2026, which may commence after the Russian State Duma elections in September.
Written by urgent.news from UATV English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
