'At war with the whole world': Why Putin might be eyeing a long conflict in Ukraine

Stalling peace talks and new offensive suggest the Kremlin could escalate its ‘special operation’ into a ‘war’ against the West.

Russian President Vladimir Putin walking past a guard during a ceremony honouring the country’s Olympians and Paralympians at the Kremlin in Moscow on April 26, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS

(FINANCIAL TIMES) - Despite Russia's failure to break down Ukraine's defences, heavy casualties and a series of military defeats, the Kremlin has kept up a refrain: The goals of President Vladimir Putin's invasion will be reached in full.

Russia's territorial targets have appeared to shift depending on the short-term gains Mr Putin feels his troops can achieve on the battlefield. He scaled back an initial plan to seize central areas including the capital, Kyiv, in favour of a new assault focused on the eastern Donbas region.

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