Russia is making a final push with a large-scale summer offensive in Ukraine.

The goal of the Russian campaign is to break the Ukrainians’ fighting spirit and give Vladimir Putin at least a symbolic victory, notes the Economist. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the main areas of the offensive will be Pokrovsk and Konstantynivka in the Donetsk region. In the Sumy region, Russia is attempting to create a buffer zone, after which it plans to transfer forces to the Donbas and toward Zaporizhzhia.

The Ukrainian military’s assessment of the offensive’s prospects differ. Some point out that Russian troops have not been able to take Konstantynivka for more than three years, while others admit that the Russian Federation is ahead in the drone marathon on the front, which presents a significant challenge.

However, if the summer offensive does not bring Russia a decisive victory, even minor territorial gains may push Putin to continue the war. However, diplomacy will probably become possible again after the front line stabilizes.