Can Russia fully secure control of Donetsk region, military expert says

Russia would need roughly 3-4 years to fully consolidate its control over the Donetsk region.

This was stated by military expert Dmytro Snehyrov on air with Kyiv 24.

At the same time, he says, large-scale offensive or landing operations in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions are unlikely due to limited reserves and complex tactical conditions.

«According to assessments from Ukrainian and Western intelligence communities, the Russians would need 3-4 years to establish full control over Donetsk region. Accordingly, there is no question of establishing full control over the territories of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions,» the expert says.

Sniehyrov adds that Ukraine and Russia are effectively expecting similar timelines for the end of the active phase of the conflict—around three years—though the final scenario will depend on the positions of key international players, particularly the United States and China.