Putin Switches to 'Plan B' After Failing to Capture Ukraine... Harasses Civilians to Neutralize Country

NYT "Analysis of 'Plan B' Is Not an Official Information Assessment"

Russian tank conducting military operations in Ukraine
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Yeeun] As Russia failed to capture Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, in a short period, an analysis has emerged that Russian President Vladimir Putin has changed his strategy to seize other major cities.

On the 20th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that while the Russian military has made little progress in the assault on Kyiv, it is concentrating attacks on the southern region and is on the verge of capturing Mariupol, a coastal city in Ukraine.

In response to these developments, U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that President Putin has shifted to a 'Plan B.'

U.S. intelligence initially believed that Putin's goal was to advance directly to Kyiv, quickly capture it, and overthrow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

However, as the Ukrainian military's resistance stalled progress, the strategy shifted to besieging and capturing other major cities to pressure the Ukrainian government and achieve desired outcomes.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia.
Photo by AP Yonhap News

The WSJ explained, "The Biden administration views Putin's pressure tactics as an attempt to achieve Ukraine's 'neutralization' and to take control of southern Ukraine and the eastern Donbas region."

Daniel Fried, a former ambassador to Poland, said, "Putin's goal has not changed at all; only his tactics have changed."

He added, "Putin is launching attacks now because Ukraine is resisting. The Ukrainian government must eventually be removed. This is a Stalinist purge."

However, The New York Times (NYT) reported, "The analysis of Putin's Plan B is not an official intelligence assessment but reflects the views of some intelligence officials."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.