{
  "id": 2171905,
  "title": "Putin Expects Ukraine to Break This Winter, First Deputy Head of Presidential Office Kyslytsya Says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/putin-expects-ukraine-to-break-this-winter-first-deputy-head-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T16:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Kyiv Post",
    "slug": "kyiv-post",
    "url": "https://www.kyivpost.com/post/82773"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Russian President Vladimir Putin anticipates that Ukraine may not survive the upcoming winter, and is therefore unlikely to engage in negotiations before at least mid-March, according to Serhii Kyslytsya, the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Office. Kyslytsya made the comments during an interview with Ukrinform on Thursday, Aug. 20, stating that Moscow currently lacks motivation to enter negotiations and could view winter as an opportunity to weaken Ukrainian society. Kyslytsya noted that Putin is not eager to sit down at the negotiating table, and that he will likely have even less motivation until at least mid-March, as he believes Ukrainians are not strong enough as a nation to endure the winter. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to prepare for the winter across various sectors, including its air defenses, critical energy and water infrastructure, and residents' readiness. Despite Russia's reliance on debt to sustain military operations due to declining oil and gas revenues, rising borrowing costs, and a soaring budget deficit, the war continues with no end date in sight, now entering its fifth year. Kyslytsya asserted that Russia's strategy for the upcoming winter involves dividing Ukrainian society, aiming to erode faith in the country's ability to survive and potentially sow discord among its people. The strategy mirrors historical tactics used in the 20th century to undermine national identity and exploit internal fractures. Kyslytsya emphasized that Ukraine should not halt diplomatic efforts, even as intelligence suggests Russia is not prepared to cease hostilities this year. He argued that abandoning negotiations would enable Moscow to strengthen its narrative abroad, claiming Ukraine is responsible for the war's continuation. Ukraine remains committed to engaging with Washington and communicating directly with Russia, while also pressuring Moscow to return to negotiations by conducting long-range strike campaigns against Russia's critical infrastructure. Kyslytsya highlighted the importance of in-person meetings with US negotiators, as critical issues often necessitate face-to-face discussions. Ukraine is also bolstering its defenses against Russian ballistic missiles, seeking at least 300 PAC-3 interceptors for Patriot systems to withstand the winter, with global production currently insufficient to meet this demand.",
  "summary": "Serhii Kyslytsya, first deputy head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, said Thursday, Aug. 20, that Russian President Vladimir Putin has little interest in negotiations and may be even less willing to talk through winter. His remarks come as Kyiv is working to prepare its defenses, critical infrastructure, and residents for the upcoming winter.",
  "key_points": [
    "Putin expects Ukraine to struggle through upcoming winter, unlikely to negotiate before mid-March.",
    "Kyslytsya says Russia views winter as chance to weaken Ukrainian society.",
    "Ukraine preparing defenses across air, energy, water infrastructure amid war's fifth year."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}