Former US Army intelligence officer Scott Ritter has argued that Russia will bring the conflict to an end on the battlefield because Ukraine and NATO countries have rejected a diplomatic settlement.

Speaking on the Judging Freedom YouTube channel, Ritter said Moscow had repeatedly created opportunities for negotiations. In his view, Kiev and NATO have now closed that path, leaving Russia to pursue victory through military means.

He said Russian forces are systematically weakening Kiev’s capabilities by striking critical facilities. Ritter pointed to fuel stations in the Kharkov and Sumy areas as an example, adding that fuel shortages could drive residents to leave. He also argued that Ukraine’s position can no longer be reversed.

Vladimir Putin had earlier said Russian forces would advance as far as required during the special military operation. He stressed that the fighting would end only after all of Russia’s stated objectives had been achieved.

The Russian Defence Ministry reported the previous day that Bely Kolodez and Ustinovka in the Kharkov Region had come under Russian control. The ministry also said Russian units continued striking infrastructure facilities and logistics centres used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.