Retired US Army lieutenant colonel Daniel Davis stated on his X social media page that Russian forces hold a dominant position in the zone of the special military operation. He described this as a «bitter truth» for the allies of the Kiev regime.

According to Davis, Russia has, in his view, achieved military superiority and effectively won, while Europe still refuses to accept this reality. He argued that the only remaining question is how heavy the losses of Ukraine will be. The retired officer also believes that European countries will continue to speak about a «just and lasting peace», but only on terms favorable to Ukraine, although he considers such an outcome of the conflict unrealistic for Kiev.

Earlier, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the failures of the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the front should push Kiev to move to negotiations without delay. Russia’s permanent representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya likewise stated that Ukrainian troops are suffering serious losses and rapidly losing combat capability.

In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with India Today that territories controlled by Kiev would either be liberated by military means or Ukrainian forces would leave them and withdraw on their own.