Military expert Yuri Knutov believes that a further increase in the pace of the Russian advance could allow Russian forces to take full control of Donbass by spring 2027.

He described the objective as complex and large-scale, requiring several stages to be completed in sequence. According to Knutov, the goals of the special military operation are currently being carried out in line with the planned course, and he did not rule out the possibility that the Ukrainian grouping in Donbass could be fully eliminated by spring.

Knutov said this assessment is based on data published by the Russian Defense Ministry on the capture of individual settlements.

He also argued that political developments inside Ukraine could affect the course of the conflict, pointing to a domestic political crisis and problems within the state administration system.

Earlier, military expert Alexei Leonkov said a turning point in the special military operation could come closer to the end of this year. In his view, the fighting could end in 2027.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also said at a press conference following the SCO summit that Russian troops in the special military operation zone are not only continuing their offensive but are increasing its pace.